What is biodiversity and why is it so important? All you need to know about biodiversity, including how it’s measured

What is biodiversity

According to a definition from the United Nations 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity, biodiversity is “variability among living organisms from all sources [and] includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.”

Introduction

Biodiversity is a crucial aspect of our natural world. It encompasses the variety of living organisms found on Earth, including the diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations aim to address the ongoing biodiversity crisis and promote sustainable development. This report explores the factors influencing biodiversity, its distribution patterns, the limitations of counting species, methods for measuring diversity, and the importance of biodiversity for ecosystems and human well-being.

What influences diversity?

Various factors contribute to the diversity of life on Earth. Biodiversity is influenced by a delicate balance between extinction, migration, and speciation. Human activities, such as overexploitation of natural resources, disrupt this equilibrium. Additionally, geography plays a significant role in determining the diversity of different regions.

How is biodiversity distributed?

Biodiversity exhibits distinct distribution patterns across the globe. One notable pattern is the increasing gradient in diversity from poles to tropics, suggesting that life thrives in regions with an ideal temperature range. Furthermore, biodiversity is unevenly distributed among freshwater, marine, and terrestrial habitats.

1. About 15% of macroscopic species are aquatic, while 85% live on land.
2. Land plants produce more energy and support diverse ecosystems due to their ability to absorb sunlight directly.
3. Habitat complexity, such as rainforests and reefs, creates biodiversity hotspots by providing 3D structures that serve as homes for various organisms.
4. Physical differences between media, such as the density of water compared to air, affect the energy expenditure of animals.

What’s wrong with counting species?

Counting species alone has limitations when assessing biodiversity. Species richness, which refers to the number of species in a particular area, only reflects diversity at a low level of biological classification. For example, two areas may have different species richness, but the area with fewer species may actually have greater diversity if those species belong to different families. Additionally, counting species does not consider the diversity within each species, known as species evenness. A habitat is more diverse when the relative abundance of individuals living there is similar among species.

So how is diversity measured?

Ecologists use various methods to measure biodiversity, as it is not feasible to collect every individual of each species in an area. Instead, they rely on sampling techniques and statistical models to estimate species and individuals. These models provide an index that combines species richness and evenness, offering a more comprehensive understanding of diversity. However, numbers of recorded species are still commonly used to communicate biodiversity conservation efforts.

Why does biodiversity matter?

Biodiversity plays a crucial role in the resilience and functioning of ecosystems. Diversity within species allows populations to adapt to environmental changes, while diversity between species enhances ecosystem resilience. For example, if one prey species becomes unavailable, a predator can rely on alternative food sources. However, current conservation efforts often prioritize charismatic species like pandas, neglecting the vast diversity of invertebrates and their vital roles as pollinators and ecosystem energizers.

Recognizing the importance of biodiversity, it is essential to promote its benefits to human well-being. Biodiversity provides ecosystem services that supply food, fuel, pharmaceuticals, and other resources necessary for our survival and quality of life.

Conclusion

Biodiversity is a fundamental aspect of our planet’s health and sustainability. Understanding the factors influencing diversity, measuring it accurately, and recognizing its significance are crucial steps towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By prioritizing biodiversity conservation and promoting its benefits to human well-being, we can contribute to a more sustainable future for both nature and society.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
   • Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.
   • Indicator 15.1.2: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type.

2. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   • Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
   • Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches.
   • Indicator 14.2.2: Progress by countries in the degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

Analysis

The article primarily discusses the concept of biodiversity and its distribution. It highlights the factors that influence diversity and the limitations of counting species as a measure of biodiversity. Based on this analysis, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

1. SDG 15: Life on Land

The article addresses the issue of biodiversity loss on land and the need for conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. It discusses the factors that influence diversity, such as extinction, migration, and speciation, and highlights the impact of human activities on disrupting the equilibrium of biodiversity.

• Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
• Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.
• Indicator 15.1.2: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type.

2. SDG 14: Life Below Water

The article also briefly mentions the uneven distribution of biodiversity among freshwater, marine, and terrestrial habitats. While the focus is primarily on land-based biodiversity, the mention of aquatic species and habitats connects to SDG 14, which aims to protect life below water.

• Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
• Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches.
• Indicator 14.2.2: Progress by countries in the degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Fuente: discoverwildlife.com

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