Biological
diversity or biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life
on earth. Biodiversity is expressed at three levels on earth; genetic
diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity. Its direct and
indirect services are crucial for the sustenance of life on this planet.
Biodiversity
ensure food, fuel, shelter, medicines and other resources which are
vital for our survival. Most of the crops pests are controlled by a
variety of other organisms, including insects, birds and fungi; which
are certainly superior natural pesticides than their chemical
equivalents. The pesticides which are extensively used are really harmful to human beings and the environment.
Many
flowering plants rely on animal species such as insects, bats and birds
for pollination and seed dispersal. Biodiversity, more importantly,
offers a wide range of resources and services for any location at any
specific time and thus providing people with a variety of option to make
it possible to switch over from one resource to another and prefer
another if something is scarce, or if market demand chages.
Access to diverse species enables diversification of livelihood through,
planting multiple crops and thus enabling food production throughout
the year, or engaging in alternative income-generating activities. The
availability of diverse resources also allows different genders,
cultural or age groups to engage in and benefit from the resources
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