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Effect Of Climate Change On Biodiversity Article
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The Concept Of Biodiversity – An Exercise In Variability
from:While it shouldn't be, it's often hard for people to wrap their minds around the concept of biodiversity. Partly this is because the concept of biodiversity is a complex one, and partly it's because so many agencies have vested interests in people seeing anything that conserves resources as a threat to their lifestyles. The first steps toward defining the concept of biodiversity were undertaken by E.O. Wilson in the mid-1980s. Since then, the concept has become so important that there are a number of world, national, and local initiatives targeted at reducing biodiversity loss by 2010.
The concept of biodiversity breaks down into three major factors, all of which are interwoven:
First is the concept of genetic diversity. This refers to the variation of genes within a single species and can be further broken down into two components: genetic variations within distinct populations of the same species, and genetic variations within a population.
Next is the concept of species diversity. This take us up one rung as we consider the varieties of species within a region. There are two main measures to assess this: the first is species “richness”, or the number of species, both plant and animal, that inhabit an area; the second is the more precise “taxonomic diversity,” which takes into account the relationships between species in addition to their numbers.
The third factor, and the overarching one, is ecosystem diversity. Since the boundaries between various biological communities are highly fluid, this is the most difficult factor to measure accurately, yet it may very well be the most important, since this is where changes that affect all life occur. Climate change, often caused by things like global warming, are among the greatest threats to ecosystem diversity.
Biological diversity includes the variety of ecosystems, and their patterns. It also includes their linkages across regional landscapes. There is a hierarchy of the parts and processes of biological diversity that is, admittedly, artificial. This hierarchy also has a distinct human context (i.e., things are seen in the context of how useful they are to humans). Still, it provides a focus for the concept of biodiversity, which is so infinitely varied that any lens taken to it must be narrowly focused compared to the full spectrum of both the topic and human needs.
Understanding the concept of biodiversity should be a high priority for everyone, since we cannot preserve it if we don't understand it, and not preserving it will ultimately affect the lives of all of us. One of the best ways of understanding the very broad concept of biodiversity is reading the various definitions used by scientists, philosophers, environmentalists, and others.
Effect Of Climate Change On Biodiversity News
Ecosystem effects of biodiversity loss could rival impacts of climate change ... - Phys.Org
 The Earth Times | Ecosystem effects of biodiversity loss could rival impacts of climate change ... Phys.Org Photo: David Hooper Loss of biodiversity appears to impact ecosystems as much as climate change, pollution and other major forms of environmental stress, according to a new study from an international research team. The study is the first comprehensive ... Ecosystem effects of biodiversity loss may rival effects of climate change ... Comparing Biodiversity Loss to Other Human-caused Environmental Changes Biodiversity loss from species extinction a 'top driver of global change' |
Rapid Coral Death by a Deadly Chain Reaction - Science Daily (press release)
Rapid Coral Death by a Deadly Chain Reaction Science Daily (press release) ScienceDaily (May 23, 2012) — Most people are fascinated by the colorful and exotic coral reefs, which form habitats with probably the largest biodiversity. But human civilization is the top danger to these fragile ecosystems through climate change, ... Rapid Coral Death By Deadly Chain Reaction |
Investing in coastal ecosystems: Opportunities for meaningful CSR practices in ... - CSR Asia
 CSR Asia | Investing in coastal ecosystems: Opportunities for meaningful CSR practices in ... CSR Asia Businesses seeking to effectively manage their social and environmental impacts are seeing value in partnering with sustainability and development experts to help them devise approaches that meet strategic business objectives in a responsible and ... |
Seagrass meadows are key carbon sinks for combatting climate change - Bay Area Indymedia
 Bay Area Indymedia | Seagrass meadows are key carbon sinks for combatting climate change Bay Area Indymedia It is the first global study to analyze the carbon storage capacity of seagrasses which could aid in mitigating climate change. Seagrass meadows can store up to 83000 metric tons of carbon per square kilometre, mostly in the soils below them. Seagrass and the carbon paradox |
Forests Pressured As Leaders Welcome Palm Oil Investors - AllAfrica.com
Forests Pressured As Leaders Welcome Palm Oil Investors AllAfrica.com But strong opposition is being voiced by civil society organisations and environmental scientists who say the proposed plantations constitute a real danger to the country's fragile ecosystem and the fight against climate change. |