Biodiversity
Importance of BiodiversityBiodiversity is very important when maintaining a viable ecosystem. Everything in an ecosystem is connected, one way or another. The actions from one species can influence those of another. The reason biodiversity is important is that the great variation seen in organisms all contribute to a complex system of life.
A greater variation in genes allows these species to adapt to changes in their environmental conditions better. More genetic diversity increases the chance of survival and it also makes these species unique. This diverse variation in the gene pool of each species in the rainforest ensures a higher chance of survival. If there were to be any environmental changes to the area, it is more likely that at least one variation of the species is able to thrive and adapt in it, this allows for said environment to continue no matter what type of situations and environmental pressures is put on it. The diverse amount of species is very well adapted to their environments, for example, there are four sub-species of gorillas; two of them more adapted to lowlands, the other two more adapted to mountains. If something were to happen to one of those habitats, while many of the two sub-species would likely not survive, gorillas in general would have a higher chance of surviving. Furthermore, diversity is necessary in an ecosystem because it gives structure to the food chain. Every environment must have producers and consumers. Prey and predator relationships are necessary to keep the food chain stable. |
A Tomato Frog found in the African rainforest, on display at the Toronto Zoo.
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