Flora and Fauna

Biodiversity as the name suggests refers to Biological diversity. It comprises all life forms that are found all around the globe like plants, animals and microbes. All the life forms work in union with each other to maintain the ecosystem balance. Biodiversity is measured with different parameters that include kingdom, phylum, class, order and species. The variations in different species depend on the following physical factors: geography, temperature, area, soil, nutrients, humidity, altitude, etc. Biodiversity plays a key role in the efficient maintenance of the different life forms in the ecosystem. Biodiversity consists of two classes of higher life forms. They are

• Flora
• Fauna

Flora:

Definition 

Flora can be referred to as a collection of all plant life forms belonging to a particular region. It signifies the native plants of a place. The word flora has its origin in Latin where it denotes the name of the Goddess of plants. The plants are classified into various types based on their region of growth and this can be termed a floristic region. The floristic region denotes various areas of plant life forms situated like deserts, mountains, valleys, oceans, etc. 

Types

Flora is classified into various types. They are

1. Native flora: These are the types of flora restricted to a particular area or zone. It is found only in a specific region, habitat or ecosystem without human involvement. 
2. Horticultural or Agricultural flora: This can also be addressed as garden flora. Human intervention is present in the type of flora. Humans intentionally cultivate some specific types of crops for consumption, decoration, daily use, energy extraction, etc. 
3. Weed flora: These are a type of unwanted plants that are grown in specific regions. They are considered undesirable and grow as an intervention between desirable plants. In some cases, they serve and support other groups of plants. 

Importance

• It plays an important role in balancing the ecosystem
• It provides oxygen to other species by intaking carbon dioxide
• It serves as food for various organisms
• Performs photosynthesis and initiates the food cycle
• Balances the food chain by serving as producers
• Protects our environment from drastic changes
• Decreases the rate of air pollution
• Prevents climate change
• They are used to produce commercial products like wood, fruits, oils, perfumes, latex, rubbers, resins
• Enhances tourism of a nation

Fauna:

Definition

Fauna can be referred to as a collection of all animal life forms belonging to a particular region. It signifies the native animal of a place. The word fauna has different roots and origins where Romans refer to fauna as the Goddess of earth and fertility and the term Fauns refers to the spirits in the forest. Fauna deliberately differs based on environmental conditions, climate, region, and other related characteristics. 

Types

Fauna is categorised into many types. They are-

1. Cryofauna: This type of fauna denotes the animal present in areas of low temperature. Fauna that exists in cold regions belongs to cryofauna. 
2. Cryptofauna: These are animals that live in conserved areas. Their habitat looks protected and concealed. 
3. Infauna: It refers to the organisms that reside at the bottom of the ocean, beneath the sediments or deposits.
4. Epifauna: These are a group of animals that live at the bottom of the ocean floor’s sediments.
5. Macrofauna: This type denotes animals that live in soil that are about 0.3 to 0.5mm filter. 
6. Megafauna: These are surface animals that live in a particular area or a region adapted to specific environmental conditions. 
7. Microfauna: Animals that are smaller in size and invertebrates fall under this category. This contains microscopic organisms. 
8. Meiofauna: These are a type of invertebrate. They are found to be smaller than megafauna and larger than microfauna. 
9. Avifauna: This includes birds. 
10. Piscifauna: Fishes belong to this type.

Importance:

• Helps in maintaining biodiversity 
• Aids in ecosystem balance
• Connects and plays a key role in the food web
• Attracts tourists
• Serves as food for other organisms
• Improves the construction of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, forests, biosphere reserves
• Feeds upon flora and balances the population
• Provides specific medicinal drugs
• Supplies wools, meats, leather, and other commercially important products

Difference between Flora and Fauna:

Conclusion:

Flora and Fauna play a key role in balancing the ecosystem and supporting the growth of all other living organisms. They provide a base for the development and evolution of all species. The interlinked chain of the web between flora and fauna is the primary element that balances the ecology. They protect the globe from varying factors like climate, temperature, pressure, humidity, erosion, pollution, suffocation and more. They are also commercially important as they provide various valuables like foods, wood, oils, medicines, leather, and more.