Biodiversity Basics

Understanding Biodiversity and its Importance

• Biodiversity refers to the variety of organisms, genetic variation, species, and communities in an ecosystem.
• Tropical rainforests are known for their extraordinary variety of species.
• The actual number of species on Earth is unknown, but scientists estimate it to be greater than 10 million.
• Biodiversity can be studied at three levels: species diversity, ecosystem diversity, and genetic diversity.
• Every species plays an important role in the ecosystem, and the loss of one species can disrupt the balance of the food web.
• Keystone species are critical to the functioning of an ecosystem, such as the sea otter, which affects the survival and abundance of many other species in its community.
• Genetic variation increases the chances of species survival, and small and isolated populations are less likely to survive environmental changes.
• About one quarter of drugs prescribed in the US are derived from plants, and most antibiotics are derived from chemicals found in fungi.
• Most crops produced around the world originated from a few areas of high biodiversity, and depending on too few plants for food is risky.
• Preserving biodiversity is important for ethical reasons, as species and ecosystems have a right to exist.
• People also value biodiversity for aesthetic or personal enjoyment, such as ecotourism.
• Understanding and preserving biodiversity is essential for the sustainability of populations and the biosphere.

Test your knowledge on the importance of biodiversity with this quiz. From the different levels of biodiversity to the critical role of keystone species, this quiz covers the basics of biodiversity and why it matters. Learn about the ethical and practical reasons for preserving biodiversity, and the potential consequences of not doing so. Are you ready to become a biodiversity expert? Take the quiz now!