The Importance of Biodiversity

Our survival depends on a large number of organisms. Some of the benefits are directly visible to us while some others are indirect. Every organism or species has its unique role and importance.

Our needs of food, fuel, shelter, fibres, medicines and other products are met by various biological resources. Of course, plants are primary producers and we depend upon them for meeting our diverse requirements. Since ancient times, about five thousand plant species have been used as food by humans. But at present, less than 20 species feed the majority of the world’s population and out of these, only three or four carbohydrate crops are staple diet for majority of the people. Many people also eat seafood, meat and other animal products.

Besides food resources, we derive wood from trees which is used as a fuel by a large number of people. It is also used in making houses, furniture and other household products. In addition to this, we get many useful products such as medicines, dyes, resins, gums, tannins, latex, fruits, seeds, oils, nuts etc. from plants.

India has a long history of using medicinal plants. The therapeutic value of medicinal plants was recognized long back and they have been in use in the traditional systems of medicine since ancient times. India has about 7500 species of plants having medicinal value. The use of herbs in medicines, cosmetics and other products is increasing day by day world over. Many of the synthetic drugs which we use today were, infact, obtained from the plant sources in the earlier times. Some examples being quinine, digitalis, aspirin, taxol and extracts of guggal. In fact, many coral reef species produce toxins for self-defense and they are being explored for such uses.

The biological diversity provides diverse ways of pollution control. Plants, fungi and bacteria remove toxic substances from air, water and soil. Carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide are removed by plants. Carbon monoxide is oxidized by soil fungi and bacteria. Nitric oxide is incorporated into the nitrogen cycle. The purification of atmosphere by trees and forests is well known. In addition, forests also check floods and prevent soil erosion. They increase the underground water supply and are responsible for the humidity of air. Besides, they provide home for wildlife and a large number of species. Also, forests have immense economic importance.

In addition to the utilitarian and economic importance, biological diversity has many secrets which are yet to be revealed. Many plant species can serve as potential food crops. The way we have domesticated the wild strains of wheat and other grains, we can create new genetic hybrids from other wild strain also. Many wild varieties can be explored for their disease resistance and their genetic characteristics can be introduced into other crops to yield disease­resistant varieties.

Similarly, other diverse uses would become clear once these unknown resources unfold. The presence of a vast gene bank, yet unexplored, can provide many useful varieties of strains which can be developed to meet our diverse needs. In fact, we need to conserve this gene pool so that it is not lost from our hands forever.

Biodiversity has its own ecological importance. Each species forms a special part of the complex natural web and has a definite role to play. Thus, each species present in an ecosystem is important and each ecosystem is important in its own right. Therefore, it is not wise to play with or disturb the biodiversity unless we are fully aware of its consequences.

In addition to its above values, biodiversity attracts a large industry of tourism which has its associated economic benefits for a particular geographical location.

After all, there is a moral justification also for the conservation of existing biodiversity. Whether useful or not, every species has a right to exist and human beings should not temper the nature’s creation just because our lust for comforts and list of requirements is unending.

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