GEC 8: Lesson 4

It refers to all kinds of living things.

It means variety or differences.

It means as the variety and extent of differences among living and non-living organisms.

“The variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. Biodiversity is the source of the essential goods and ecological services that constitute the source of life for all and it has direct consumptive value in food, agriculture, medicine, and in industry.”

• Biodiversity

• Diversity

• Ecology

• Environment

Choose the three categories of the importance of biodiversity.

• Economic

• Ecological

• Social and Cultural Values of Biodiversity

• Health

• Industrial

Biodiversity is a vital element of human being’s nutrition because it influences and contributes to sustainable food production.

• Food

• Medicine

• Fuel, Timber, and Other Resources

• Recreational and Aesthetic Values

The roots, leaves, and bark are often used for this purpose. Thirty percent (30%) of pharmaceuticals use plants and animals as sources of this rather than synthetic or chemical sources.

• Food

• Medicine

• Fuel, Timber, and Other Resources

• Recreational and Aesthetic Values

Biodiversity is a major source of raw materials in the world. Wood and biogas for fuel, buildings, houses, clothes, bags, and other products that we are using every day come from biodiversity.

• Food

• Medicine

• Fuel, Timber, and Other Resources

• Recreational and Aesthetic Values

In keeping the healthy environment literally pristine, economic value in the form of money can be brought in, through ecotourism.

• Food

• Medicine

• Fuel, Timber, and Other Resources

• Recreational and Aesthetic Values

All air pollution is absorbed by plants and transformed into oxygen through photosynthesis. Plants absorb water from the roots to the leaves, purify it, and release it into the environment as clean water.

• Air and Water Purification

• Climate Stabilizer

• Drought, Erosion, and Flood Control

• Medicine