When considering regions that are rich in diverse wildlife, what comes to mind? Africa? The Amazon rainforests? How about your own backyard?
You might believe that your backyard cannot compare to Africa or the Amazon rainforests in terms of wildlife. And you might be right. However, you might also be underestimating your own backyard!
If you were to spend some time in your backyard, you would be surprised by the number of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects that call it home. And that’s just what you can see on the surface and above.
If you get closer to the ground and observe what crawls on and beneath the soil, you will discover a whole new world of creatures that usually go unnoticed. Scientists have a term for the variety of life found in a specific area: biodiversity. The term is a combination of the words “biological” and “diversity”.
At its core, biodiversity refers to the variety of plant and animal species present in a particular habitat. The species biodiversity in your backyard might include a blackbird, a squirrel, a mosquito, a snake, and a frog. It would also include all the species of plants, such as grass, trees, and flowers.
However, what you can see is just the surface of biodiversity. You also need to consider the species that are not visible. These may include underground worms and thousands of microscopic bacteria that play a crucial role in your backyard’s ecosystem.
When studying biodiversity, scientists must go beyond simple species diversity and also consider genetic diversity. This encompasses the variations in genes within each species. For example, all dogs belong to the same species, but there is immense diversity among different dog breeds.
Ecological diversity is also an important aspect that scientists must take into account. Similar ecosystems can differ significantly based on the wildlife and climate. For instance, a forest ecosystem in Florida can be vastly different from one in Colorado.
Research on biodiversity has shown that tropical rainforests are the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. This is one of the reasons why scientists aim to protect rainforests from human interference. Biodiversity is incredibly important, and a decline in biodiversity can have negative effects on the entire planet.
Why is biodiversity crucial? A wide variety of plant, animal, and bacterial species enable us to live longer, healthier lives. Robust ecosystems provide us with clean water and the oxygen we breathe.
Vibrant communities of plants, soils, and pollinators give us the food we eat and many of the medicines that aid in our healing. Areas with high biodiversity recover more quickly from natural disasters and help prevent diseases.
Regrettably, biodiversity faces numerous threats. Any factors that result in a decrease or extinction of species have a negative impact on biodiversity. Some of these factors consist of habitat loss, excessive utilization of natural resources, invasive species, pollution, and climate change. As we strive to improve the world, it is crucial to recognize the significance of biodiversity and the protection of endangered species.
Give It a Try
Are you prepared to embark on a journey around the globe in search of some of the most biodiverse locations on Earth? Enlist the assistance of a friend or family member to explore the following activities:
- Interested in promoting biodiversity in your own backyard? Establish your own wildlife garden by providing a few essential elements to assist the wildlife in your area. Download and print out the National Wildlife Federation’s Garden for Wildlife Garden Certification Walk-Through Checklist. It will guide you through the process of creating your very own wildlife garden to enhance the biodiversity of your own backyard!
- Delve into the online resource Homegrown Biodiversity to discover more about the various actions you can take at home to enhance the biodiversity of your local area. Compile a list of at least three things you can work on with a friend or family member to promote biodiversity in your area.
- How diverse is the region where you reside? Select a small section of your backyard or a local park and attempt to count the number of species present. This encompasses all the birds, mammals, and insects you can locate and identify. Without a microscope, you probably won’t be able to identify any of the microscopic organisms in the area. However, you can dig a little beneath the surface of the Earth to see what you can find. Enjoy engaging in hands-on exploration of the biodiversity in your area!
Recommended Sources
- https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Understanding-Conservation/Biodiversity (accessed 26 Aug., 2022)
- http://www.amnh.org/our-research/center-for-biodiversity-conservation/about-the-cbc/what-is-biodiversity (accessed 26 Aug., 2022)
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