The Cause Behind the Loss of Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the sum of all diversity found at all levels of biological structure. In our biosphere, tremendous diversity and heterogeneity exist at all levels of biological structure, from macromolecules within cells to biomes. Any loss of biodiversity is a serious threat to the planet and nature.

Types of biodiversity 

• Genetic variety- Throughout a species’ distributional range, it’s possible to see a lot of genetic diversity in a single species. Example: The intensity and concentration of the active chemical reserpine produced by the medicinal plant Rauwolfia vomitoria very genetically. 

• Species diversity- This refers to the diversity within a species. The Western Ghats, for example, contain a greater diversity of amphibian species than the Eastern Ghats.

• Ecological diversity- This refers to the diversity of an ecosystem. India, for example, boasts of higher environmental diversity than a Scandinavian country like Norway, with deserts, coral reefs, marshes, mangroves, estuaries, rain forests and alpine meadows. This is because India lies primarily in the tropical and subtropical zone, while Norway lies near the Arctic region.

Importance of biodiversity conservation 

The ecosystem’s importance of biodiversity is essential. Though scientists have failed to fully comprehend the relationship between species diversity and ecological health, it is undeniable that a diverse ecosystem is necessary for ecosystem health and necessary for the human race’s survival on the planet.

The hypothesis of Rivet Popper: Using this analogy, Stanford biologist Paul Ehrlich discussed the potential consequences of a loss in species diversity. He compared the biosphere to an aeroplane and individual species to rivets. Thousands of rivets are used to attach various elements of an aeroplane, as we know. If every passenger starts popping rivets to take home a souvenir, it may not have an immediate impact on flight safety. In the long run, however, as more rivets are removed, the plane becomes dangerously fragile. Some rivets could be more important than others. For example, the loss of rivets on the wings can be more damaging than the loss of rivets on the seats. Similarly, the extinction of a few species might not hurt the ecosystem. However, the loss of a vital species could have disastrous consequences for the environment.

Causes of biodiversity loss: “The Evil Quartet” refers to four key causes of biodiversity loss.

• Excessive exploitation: Humans’ need for natural resources has devolved into avarice. As a result, natural resources are over-exploited. Overexploitation has resulted in the extinction of many plant and animal species.

• Alien species invasions: Some alien species become invasive, causing native species to decrease or become extinct. Many indigenous plant species in India have been harmed by the introduction of carrot grass (Parthenium), Lantana, and water hyacinth (Eichhornia).

• Habitat loss and fragmentation: Habitat loss is a result of large-scale deforestation to make place for human activity. Habitats have also been fragmented into little pieces as a result of this. The most prominent factor contributing to plant and animal extinction is habitat loss and fragmentation.

• Co-extinctions: Certain plant and animal species are inextricably linked. When one species goes extinct, the associated species can go extinct as well. For example, when a host fish goes extinct, the parasites that rely on it go extinct as well.

So, the loss of biodiversity caused due to the above evil quartet needs to be looked upon very seriously.

Conservation of biodiversity

Biodiversity conservation is important for a variety of reasons. These can be classified into three categories: narrowly utilitarian, broadly utilitarian, and ethical.

1. Ethical Arguments: Humans coexist alongside millions of plant, animal, and microbial species on this planet. Every species has inherent worth. Some of it may not be economically significant to us. However, it is our moral obligation to safeguard all of these species.
2. Broadly Utilitarian Arguments: Biodiversity has a crucial role in many ecological functions, according to broadly utilitarian arguments. Let’s use pollination as an example. It is necessary for agricultural production, and crop production is very important to us economically.
3. Narrowly utilitarian arguments: Food, firewood, fibre, construction material, industrial items, and medicinally beneficial things are all provided by nature. Bioprospecting is the study of molecular, genetic, and species-level variety in search of economically valuable items.

Loss of biodiversity conservation techniques

There are two types by which the loss of biodiversity caused can be conserved.

• In Situ Conservation- In situ conservation refers to the preservation of ecosystems on-site. The method of in situ conservation aims to protect and preserve animal sanctuaries and national parks.

• Ex-situ conservation- Ex-situ conservation refers to ecosystem conservation that takes place away from its natural habitat. This strategy involves removing endangered plants and animals from their natural habitat and placing them in a separate setting for better protection. This is accomplished through zoological parks, botanical gardens, and animal safari parks. Threatened species’ gametes are preserved via cryopreservation techniques.

Conclusion

There are numerous issues and benefits associated with biodiversity. They emphasise the importance of long-term development and wise utilisation of coastal resources. Biodiversity loss and conservation are principles that form the foundation for biodiversity management. Biodiversity management is a difficult issue that necessitates the participation of a wide range of stakeholders, from government agencies to private businesses, non-governmental organisations, and volunteers. Apart from that, national and international commitment, regulation, and enforcement provide an important foundation for promoting and preserving biodiversity.