Biodiversity it means the variety of life and encompasses the richness of the species, the genes they contain and the ecosystems that make up the environment.
The concept was initially known as Biological Diversity. However, from the 1980s onwards, it became more common to use biodiversity as a synonym for the term.
The best known definition of biodiversity was defined by the Convention on Biological Diversity, signed in Brazil, during Rio-92. So, biodiversity means:
"the variability of living organisms of all origins; comprising, among others, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; further comprising the diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems".
Currently, biodiversity is considered at three levels:
- species diversity: It is the richness of existing species. It includes all Earth's organisms, from the simplest to the most complex.
- Genetical diversity: It is the diversity of genes among individuals of a species.
- Ecosystem diversity: It is the diversity of ecosystems in which biological communities inhabit and interact.
All levels are fundamental to the survival of the species, including the human species.
The most species-rich environments on the planet are: tropical forests, coral reefs, large tropical lakes and the depths of the sea.
Brazilian Biodiversity
Brazilian biodiversity is one of the richest on the planet. The numbers of species of fauna and flora in Brazil are impressive:
- 5,000 species of fungi filamentous and yeasts - 10% of the world's diversity;
- 22% of the diversity of bryophytes of the world;
- About 1,400 species of pteridophytes - 12% of the world's diversity;
- Greater plant diversity angiosperms of the world. More than 45 thousand species are estimated;
- Between 90 and 120 thousand species of insects - 10% of the world's diversity;
- Greater diversity of fish of the world. More than 3,500 species;
- The richest fauna in the world for the group of amphibians;
- About 1,800 species of birds;
- More than 650 species of mammals.
This makes Brazil be considered the country of mega diversity.
Much of the Brazilian biodiversity is found in the Amazon rainforest, Atlantic Forest and Cerrado.
Amazon Biodiversity
Amazonian biodiversity is exuberant
THE Amazon it is the region of the planet with the greatest biodiversity. Despite this, it is believed that many species have not yet been known and described by science, which would further increase the number of species.
The Amazon is believed to have nearly 60% of all life forms on the planet. However, only 30% of them are known to science.
To give you an idea, 40 to 300 different tree species can be found per hectare. In North America, this number ranges from 4 to 25.
Insects constitute the majority of animals in the Amazon.
Most of the species found in the Amazon region are endemic, that is, they only occur there.
Know more:
- Amazon Animals
- Endangered animals in the Amazon rainforest
Biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest
THE Atlantic forest is tropical forest rich in species. It is estimated that up to 8% of the planet's species inhabit this area.
At the same time, with the intense destruction it is also considered as one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world.
Even so, the region is home to more than 20 thousand species of plants. There are also 849 species of birds, 370 species of amphibians, 200 species of reptiles, 270 of mammals and 350 species of fish.
read about Atlantic Forest Animals.
Biodiversity in the Cerrado
O Cerrado biome it is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. It is recognized as one of the savannas richest in the world.
It is believed to have more than 6,000 species of trees and 800 species of birds. It also has many endemic species.
Some studies suggest that the Cerrado region is home to around 5% of the world's fauna.
read about Animals of the Cerrado.
Read too:
- Brazilian fauna
- Flora of Brazil
- Brazilian Biomes
Threats
There are several threats to biodiversity conservation, many of them resulting from human activities.
The increasing use of natural resources by man puts biodiversity at risk. The most serious consequence is the extinction of species, which results in the loss of biodiversity.
The main threats are:
habitat destruction
the destruction of habitat it is the biggest threat to biological diversity. This occurs as a result of the logging and burned.
The expansion of cities, areas for agriculture, construction of roads and exploitation of natural resources result in the destruction of natural areas.
When a forest is destroyed, the beings that inhabit it need to look for a new place to live. If not, they die.
For example, the Atlantic Forest was heavily devastated for agricultural activities and the expansion of cities. Currently, only 5% of the original forest remains, which resulted in the destruction of the habitat of countless species.
Know about the Endangered animals in Brazil.
habitat fragmentation
Habitat fragmentation is the process by which a large, continuous natural area is reduced or broken up into fragments.
The originated fragments become different in the original area and some species do not tolerate the new characteristics and end up becoming extinct locally.
Furthermore, fragmentation prevents the dispersal of species to new locations. Thus, they are restricted to a certain area, which interferes with their survival.
For example, this situation can impede the search for food and sexual partners. In the case of plants, it affects seed dispersal.
Introduction of exotic species
Exotic species are those brought from one location and introduced into a new environment where they do not occur naturally.
Furthermore, they can become invasive, that is, they reproduce in such a way that they occupy a large area and eliminate native species.
These species can displace native species through competition for resources from the environment.
An example of an invasive alien species is the African grasses introduced in Brazil. In the Brazilian Cerrado, they are responsible for the extinction of native species.
These grasses occupy the entire soil and prevent the germination and survival of native tree seeds. Thus, there is a decrease in the number of native individuals and with time extinction.
Habitat Pollution
THE pollution it can result in the disappearance of species as it alters the natural conditions of the environment.
For example, the release of sewage into aquatic environments and pesticides in the soil can affect species survival. There are several examples of polluted rivers associated with fish death.
Importance
Finally, biodiversity is one of the fundamental characteristics of nature for being responsible for the stability of ecosystems and for its balance.
It also has great economic potential, as it is considered the basis of many activities: agricultural, livestock, fishing, forestry.
Its potential also extends to the biotechnology industry, that is, the manufacture of cosmetics, medicines, hormones and seeds.
Biodiversity has ecological, social, genetic, economic, scientific, educational, cultural and recreational value.
Therefore, its conservation is extremely important for all living beings.
Curiosities
- Tropical forests contain more than half the total number of species in the world.
- The term hotspots is used to characterize regions that present a high diversity of species, but which are threatened with extinction and need actions aimed at conservation.
- International Biodiversity Day is celebrated on May 22nd.
Read too:
- Eco-92
- Mariana's disaster
