The Nature of Biodiversity…EcoChic Magazine Investigates

 

by Rachael McKendry

What defines Biodiversity?

Is a question often asked when attempting to gain peoples perspectives on the declining biodiversity levels presently seen in our natural world. The word ‘biodiversity’ comes from the term biological diversity, simply meaning the variety of living plants and animals upon Earth. Ultimately, biodiversity shapes our world and society and provides humanity with ecosystems to sustain life on earth. The current issue of biodiversity is largely sustainability, in that the rate at which we are demolishing our natural resources is unsustainable and is threatening large populations of plants and animals with extinction, a factor which would detrimentally decline biodiversity levels and therefore weaken the world’s natural diversity. Through achieving sustainable development, it would allow populations throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life for future generations. This is the aim stated in the UK’s Sustainable Development Strategy, 2005.

A recent 2007 survey by the North East Biodiversity forum showed that only 9% (out of 1000 people surveyed) could, unprompted give a correct definition of the term biodiversity. This highlights an urgent need for education in order to inspire people to act to save our environment, its species and habitats. There is currently an estimated 30 million known species on our planet with approximately 15 million being discovered annually, including species found in remote environments such as deep sea thermal vents, of which there are some of the most species rich and diverse populations in existence. Biodiversity exits in a wide range of forms from single celled microorganisms to complex structures such as us, the human race. Three types of diversity exist; alpha, beta and gamma. Alpha diversity consists of the number of individual species which exist within an ecological community. Beta diversity compares species within neighbouring communities which differ in physical characteristics, due to small changes in environment, food availability and/or prey. Gamma diversity examines changes in ecological communities over a broader geographical range, including areas of similar habitats which are separated by great distances and thus represent different species with differing physical characteristics inhabiting the area. It is fascinating to study changes in physical characteristics which have arisen due to separation through physical geographical boundaries. This phenomenon was first witnessed by Darwin and the finches inhabiting different areas of the Galapagos, whereby there were noticeable changes in the shape of their beaks due to changes in food availability. Thus over time different species adapted physically to ensure survival through successful feeding strategies.

 

The 2009 documentary “Age of Stupid” contemplated the last years in which humanity could have saved itself. It is this passive attitude which is reflected in today’s society whereby the population has a largely positive attitude towards the environment, yet believe that it is someone else’s job to protect it. The “Age of Stupid” documentary aimed to push a relentless ambition that we need to urgently recognise the importance of our impact upon our earth in order to save us from ourselves and destroying our natural resources. Climate change is the catchphrase that currently dominates national discussions, however there seems little understanding or recognition of the impact that it may have and the lives it may cost. It appears that economic gain undermines the simple beauty and value of biodiversity and we are prepared to ignore Mother Nature. The Ecological Footprint Indicator compares humanity’s ecological impact with the amount of productive land and sea area available to supply key ecosystem services. The latest evidence from the MDPI.com shows that we happily consume resources and services equivalent of 1.3 earths and this figure continues to rise.

Ultimately, it is therefore reticent that we begin to adapt to sustainable living in order to save our natural resources, maintain biodiversity and produce high quality of life prospects for our future generations. We must act now in order to try to minimise our ecological footprint and to conserve our natural world and its resources, we need to stop being passive and assuming someone else will be more passionate about saving our planet, the problem is too large for one person to assume control of, if we come together as a community, as a population as the human race, we can fight to save our world from exterminating natural life. After all we caused the problem through pollution, over exploitation, deforesting and our globalisation increasing economic thirst, so we should stop, think and act before its too late!

Sources:

Hansen.L., (2010) Linking Globalisation and Extinction Rates: A Statistical Analysis of the Effects of Globalisation on Biodiversity.
- Guardian.co.uk - 10 Nov ‘08, John Vidal, British MP’s fail to protect Biodiversity in the UK and its over-sea’s territories.
- 28 Oct 2010 - Jonathan Watts - Are Accountants The Last Hope for Worlds Ecosystems?
- 29 Oct 2010- Jonathan Watts - Biodiversity Talks: Nagoya Summit 2010.
- defra.gov.uk
-naturalengland.org.uk
-worldwatch.org - 2010 Report on the State of The World, by the World Watch Institute.

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