All of the Earth’s species work together to survive and maintain their ecosystems. … Many species provide important benefits to humans, including food, clothing, and medicine. Much of the Earth’s biodiversity, however, is in jeopardy due to human consumption and other activities that disturb and even destroy ecosystems.
Why are species important to the ecosystem?
Greater biodiversity in ecosystems, species, and individuals leads to greater stability. For example, species with high genetic diversity and many populations that are adapted to a wide variety of conditions are more likely to be able to weather disturbances, disease, and climate change.
Why is having many species important?
Biodiversity is important to humans for many reasons. … Ecological life support— biodiversity provides functioning ecosystems that supply oxygen, clean air and water, pollination of plants, pest control, wastewater treatment and many ecosystem services.
Why is it important to protect species diversity within an ecosystem?
Biodiversity is the key indicator of the health of an ecosystem. A wide variety of species will cope better with threats than a limited number of them in large populations. Even if certain species are affected by pollution, climate change or human activities, the ecosystem as a whole may adapt and survive.
What is the importance of species diversity to the ecosystem Class 12?
In a healthy ecosystem, diverse and balanced number of species exist to maintain the balance of an ecosystem. In an ecosystem, all the species depend on each other directly or indirectly. So to make a more efficient, productive and sustainable ecosystem, it is important to maintain high species diversity.
What species has the greatest impact upon an ecosystem?
Dominant species are the most abundant species in a community, exerting a strong influence over the occurrence and distribution of other species. In contrast, keystone species have effects on communities that far exceed their abundance.
Why is it important to measure species diversity?
Biodiversity is a measure that combines richness and evenness across species. It is often measured because high biodiversity is perceived a synonymous with ecosystem health. Diverse communities are believed to have increased stability, increased productivity, and resistance to invasion and other disturbances.