Why is there so Much Diversity in Life on Earth?

Biodiversity is essential to the systems that keep life on Earth flourishing. The environment meets nearly all human beings' requirements. It could be food, oxygen, shelter, etc. Additionally, people value nature as a whole.

We should be aware that even the tiniest microbes are crucial for the ecosystem. Some things, including picturesque views, mountains, and other natural features, attract human admiration because of their aesthetic appeal. The preservation of biodiversity is essential because humans rely on it in many different ways. Given its significance, let's learn more about it. Now let's look more closely at the subject of biodiversity.

What is Biodiversity?

The diversity of mammals, vegetation, fungus, and even microbes like bacteria that comprise our surrounding ecosystems are all included in what is known as biodiversity. These various species and critters collaborate in complicated web-like ecosystems to keep things in order and support life. Everything within nature that we require for survival, including food, fresh water, medicines, and shelter, is supported by biodiversity.

Mammals of the Biodiversity 

About 66% of the ocean's environment and 75% of the land's environment have seen considerable change. Today, agricultural or livestock production takes up over a third of the planet's land area and nearly seventy-five per cent of its freshwater resources. The effects of other pressures on wildlife and our welfare are worsened by climate change. Ocean overfishing, forest destruction, water pollution, and climate change are all the results of human activity. Biodiversity is being impacted by these actions everywhere, even in the most remote places like our backyards.

Aquatic Diversity 

Diversity of Life on Earth

Animals 

Animals are the only species in this major area of life that are heterotrophic, multicellular, and eukaryotic, which means they must eat other species to survive.

Animals can be found in almost every habitat on Earth, from the tops of mountains to the bottom of the ocean. Because of the presence of insects, the kingdom also has the greatest number of species.

Plants 

All plant species are included in Plantae. Eukaryotes with many cells can be found in a wide variety of habitats. They vary from mammals in that they can produce their food through photosynthesis, and a cell wall surrounds their cell membrane. Plants have a variety of characteristics that help them adapt to their environments, including complex shoots, roots, and leaves, as well as blooming structures.

Fungi

Yeasts, moulds, and mushrooms are all members of the separate kingdom of eukaryotes known as fungi. Chitin-containing cell walls are a distinguishing characteristic of fungi. Fungi are heterotrophic, meaning they must consume outside resources to survive, which is another trait they have in common with animals.

Protista

Eukaryotic creatures with a single cell make up protozoa. Amoebae, Paramecium, Euglena, and Trypanosoma are members of this kingdom. This kingdom is home to many parasitic species, many of which also exhibit animal characteristics, including predation and movement.

Monera

Monera species are prokaryotic (single-celled) organisms without a genuine nuclear membrane inside their cells. This kingdom includes blue-green algae and bacteria.

Why is there so Much Diversity in Life on Earth?

Life on Earth is extremely diverse because it has adjusted to and colonised many distinct global conditions. The temperatures on Earth vary from the cold arctic regions to the warm tropical regions, necessitating distinct adaptations from the local lifeforms, such as extended arms for monkeys to climb among trees or dense fur for polar bears. All living things must undergo an evolutionary change to find food, survive, and procreate. 99% of any creatures that have lived on Earth have died out; thus, those that cannot adapt will also disappear.

Causes of Loss of Biodiversity

• Climate Change 

The rapid change in climate has become a major factor in the loss of biodiversity. Climate change impacts biodiversity in many ways. It disturbs the distribution of species and the ecological balance of nature.

• Over-Exploitation 

The dependency of humans on the environment for their various needs leads to the exploitation of the environment. Many species have become extinct in the last few centuries due to the exploitation of the environment. For example, passenger pigeon, steller's sea cow, etc.

Disadvantages of Loss of Biodiversity 

People rely on biodiversity in ways that aren't always obvious or valued in their daily lives. People's health ultimately depends on ecosystem services and goods, which are necessary for good health and prosperous livelihoods (such as the availability of clean water, food, and fuel sources). If ecological services aren't any longer sufficient to meet social requirements, the loss of biodiversity may have serious direct effects on human health. Changes in ecological systems indirectly impact local migration, livelihoods, income, and, on rare occasions, even political strife.

Summary 

From what is biodiversity PDF, we now know that "biological diversity" refers to the wide variety of life, including all plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems and habitats they generate. Biodiversity exists on three levels: Diversity of species: the range of several species; Ecosystem diversity refers to all the various environments that exist, whereas genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes that are present in plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.

The health and well-being of people, economic growth, the safety and security of food, and other factors that are important to all people and all human societies depend on biodiversity.