What will losing

biodiversity mean for

us?
Biodiversity is all the different kinds of
life you'll find in one area—the variety
of animals, plants, fungi, and even
microorganisms like bacteria that
make up our natural world. Each of
these species and organisms work
together in ecosystems to maintain
balance and support life.
 Do animals and bugs really
matter to me?
For many people living in towns and cities,
wildlife is often something you watch on
television. But the reality is that the air we
breathe, the water you drink and the food
we eat rely on biodiversity. Some examples
are obvious: without plants there would be
no oxygen and without bees to pollinate
there would be no fruit or nuts.
Others are less obvious – tropical tortoises
and spider monkeys seemingly have little
to do with maintaining a stable climate. But
the dense, hardwood trees that are most
effective in removing carbon dioxide from
the atmosphere rely on their seeds being
dispersed by these large fruit-eaters.
 Ecological meltdown?
Biodiversity loss describes the decline in the:
• number
• genetic variability
• variety of species and biological communities

A figure of 90% is considered the "safe limit" to prevent the world from tipping into an "ecological
meltdown", according to researchers.
The UK is one of the world's most nature-depleted countries - in the bottom 10% globally and last
among the G7 group of nations, new data shows. It has an average of about half its biodiversity left,
far below the global average of 75%, a study has found. The assessment was released ahead of a key
UN biodiversity conference.

Loss in the variety of life can lead to a breakdown in the functioning of the ecosystem where decline
has happened. Biodiversity loss is associated with more permament ecological changes in
ecosystems, landsacpes and the global biosphere.
Natural ecological disturbances, such as wildfire, floods, and volcanic eruptions, change ecosystems
drastically by eliminating local populations of some species and transforming whole biological
communities.
How does humanity
impact the planet’s
biodiversity?

Humanity impacts the

planet's biodiversity in
multiple ways, both
deliberate and accidental.
The biggest threat to
biodiversity to date has been
the way humans have
reshaped natural habitats to
make way for farmland, or to
obtain natural resources, but
as climate change worsens it
will have a growing impact
on ecosystems.
 Key areas of human activity causing biodiversity loss include:

• Deforestation. Tropical rainforests are particularly rich in biodiversity and

are being destroyed
• Habitat loss caused by urban sprawl
• Pollution caused by widespread pesticide use and overuse of fertilizers.
• It is estimated that half of the species at risk are threatened by
agriculture
• Water usage in some of the largest water reservoirs in the world which
stop the water flow.
• Hunting and the over-exploitation of species such as in wild capture
fisheries but also for wildlife trade
• Spread of invasive species and diseases through trade and travel
• Climate change, as warming and changing rainfall patterns alters
species ranges and the underlying water and chemical cycles which
define current ecosystems
• Pollution from plastic waste although its long-term effects on
biodiversity are far from clear
 Name of Species Cause of Extinction
Due to loss of food and habitat and
1. The Bramble Cay Melomys
climate change.
Due to loss of habitat, overfishing,
2. The Yangtze River Dolphin
pollution.

3. The Northern White Rhinoceros Due to hunting and loss of habitat.

Due to habitat destruction and illegal

4. The Spix Macaw
trapping trading.

5. The Thylacine Due to overhunting by mankind.

6. The Passenger Pigeon Due to hunting for food.

7. The Pyrenean Ibex Due to excess hunting.

8. The Tecopa Pupfish Due to destruction of habitat.

9. The Javan Tiger Due to loss of habitat.

10. Pinta Island Tortoise Due to killing and loss of habitat.

11.The Dodo Due to Hunting and eating.

12. The Woolly Mammoth Due to hunting.

13. The Steller’s Sea Cow Due to hunting.

 Is Loss of Biodiversity a Problem?
The consequences of loss of biodiversity are:

• Food Production: Biodiversity loss impacts food production by decreasing the nutrient level of the
food and the growth of food crops.
• Spread of Disease: The loss of biodiversity causes degradation of the ecosystem, which leads to
exposure to disease in animals, plants, and human beings.
• Loss of Habitat: The biodiversity loss may cause loss of habitat for many species that may lead to
the extinction of many species. In addition, deforestation may cause the destruction and
displacement of many species.
• Natural Disaster: The loss in biodiversity can form an unsustainable ecosystem which can lead to
natural disaster like floods, droughts, forest fire, earthquake.
• Pollution: The declining biodiversity can increase the pollution level, which may lead to an
unhealthy environment.
• Soil Erosion: The intensive usage of soil for agriculture may lead to soil erosion.
• Economic Effects: We get many substances from a healthy environment that have economic value,
but due to loss of biodiversity, the ecosystem fails to provide the valuable natural elements.
 How can the loss of biodiversity be prevented?

• Protection of Species: Hunting of animals and poaching of birds should be restricted. But,
unfortunately, to fulfil our greed, we kill animals and ignore the consequences of our actions.
• Protection of Habitat & prevention of deforestation: due to the increase in human population, we
need more space to survive and agriculture, which leads to the destruction of natural habitats of
many animals and plants. Therefore, we should take measures to control the population to
protect the habitat of animals and plants to keep them safe from extinction.
• Controlled Usage of Natural Resources: We should keep control of the usage of natural resources
by using alternative options of cooking, fuel, and mineral usage.
• Pollution Control: We should control pollution levels as it affects the biodiversity in adverse and
high pollution may lead many species to extinction.
• Government Regulatory: Government should make laws that can protect or conserve the natural
variety
• Education: People should be educated about the importance of the ecosystem and the
preservation of biodiversity. They should also know the consequences of declining biodiversity so
the issue is taken seriously