Lesson 10: BIODIVERSITY AND THE
HEALTHY SOCIETY
Learning outcomes:
• describe biodiversity and its components;
• discuss how biodiversity affects the health of society;
• cite factors and activities that destroy biodiversity;
• design a program that can help restore and sustain biodiverse resources of the
country;
• explain the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the Philippine biodiversity; and
• develop values of loving, caring, and helping to protect the Philippine biodiversity
No. of Hours to complete : 3 Hours
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INTRODUCTION:
Biodiversity comprises all living forms that we see around us. These
include all essential goods and services we derive from the environment.
Therefore, we can say that we depend on the richness of biodiversity for our
survival. Any alteration in the biodiversity of species can affect our lives whether
directly or indirectly.
It is sad to know that these diverse life forms are exploited and unmanaged.
Some components are becoming endangered, worst they are becoming extinct.
This is the best time to find ways and act to protect and preserve our environmental
resources.
ABSTRACTION:
Biodiversity refers to the richness and variety of life forms on Earth. It
includes all the species of living organisms, whether bacteria, plants, animals, and
humans, that can be found in one distinct area. To date, it has been recorded that
there are approximately 8.7 million species of plants and animals on earth.
Surprisingly, only about 12 million species have been identified and classified
properly. Insects have the greatest number of organisms that have been identified.
Because of this, millions of species or organisms are waiting to be explored and
named accordingly (National Geographic Society, 2020).
Evolution is a mechanism allowing organisms to develop traits favorable for
their survival and growth and also making them distinct from other species in the
environment. Because of these unique features, the species can be easily
recognized from others. In general, species that can reproduce with their fellow
species belong to one species while those that cannot reproduce among
themselves often belong to different species of groups.
There are so much to explore and work on in terms of biodiversity globally.
There are certain regions in the globe where species are rich and abundant while
others may contain just a few. Hotspots are the areas with high levels of
biodiversity. Endemic species or species that are located in one particular region
are usually found in hotspots. Scientists are in continuous study of identifying,
classifying, and characterizing different species of microorganisms, plants, and
animals. They are also looking at possible applications in the society and benefits
we can derive from these species.
Aside from studying biodiversity on a global scale, scientists also look at
diversity of species within ecosystems. They delve into characterizing ecosystems
such as terrestrial (forest, tundra, grassland, and valley) and aquatic (river, swamp,
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lake, sea, and ocean) habitats. Some of these habitats may consist of a wide range
of species while others support minimal number of species. Both macroscopic and
microscopic organisms are present in ecosystems. Each component of an
ecosystem plays a role for the sustainability of the ecosystem. Producers,
consumers, and decomposers have their own unique and significant functions in
the ecosystem. For instance, microscopic decomposers do play their role of
breaking down waste materials that can be toxic to other living components of the
ecosystem. Manure from dead organisms fertilize soil and helps promote growth
of plants. Humans benefit from other components of the ecosystem for food,
shelter, clothing, livelihood, and medicine among others.
Nonetheless, these diverse components of the environment are in danger
because of destructive activities of humans. Deforestation, pollution, soil erosion,
kaingin farming, conversion of forest lands into industrial purposes, and climate
change are just among the major threats to our biodiversity. These have led to
escalating rate of extinction of species. Scientists even estimate that within the
next century, half of the species on Earth will be wiped out. Therefore, preservation
and conservation efforts are a must to protect the remaining species of organisms
together with their respective habitats. These wonders of nature are not only for
our generation's enjoyment but even for the any generations that will follow. The
future of these rich diversity of organisms is in our hands.
Components of biodiversity
Biodiversity is usually explored at three levels - genetic diversity, species
diversity and ecosystem diversity. These three levels work together to create the
complexity of life on Earth.
1. Genetic diversity
Genetic diversity is the variety of genes within a species. Each species is
made up of individuals that have their own particular genetic composition. This
means a species may have different populations, each having different genetic
compositions. To conserve genetic diversity, different populations of a species
must be conserved.
Genes are the basic units of all life on Earth. They are responsible for
both the similarities and the differences between organisms.
Not all groups of animals have the same degree of genetic diversity. Kangaroos,
for example, come from recent evolutionary lines and are genetically very similar.
Carnivorous marsupials, called dasyurids, come from more ancient lines and are
genetically far more diverse. Some scientists believe that we should concentrate
on saving more genetically diverse groups, such as dasyurids, which include
the Tasmanian Devil, the Numbat and quolls.
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If we lose one species of dasyurid, we lose a substantial genetic
resource. Several species of dasyurids are endangered and at least one, the
Tasmanian Tiger, has disappeared forever since Europeans arrived in Australia.
2. Species Diversity
Species diversity is a measurement of biological diversity to be found in a
specific ecological community. It represents the species richness or number of
species found in an ecological community, the abundance (or number of
individuals per species), and the distribution or evenness of species.
Species diversity is a benchmark that can be used to evaluate the health of
ecosystems. In a healthy ecosystem, a diverse and balanced number of species
exist and maintain the equilibrium of the ecosystem.
Species diversity can be used to determine whether conservationist measures and
interventions are required in a particular area.
3. Ecosystem diversity
Ecosystem diversity deals with the variations in ecosystems within
a geographical location and its overall impact on human existence and
the environment.
Ecosystem diversity addresses the combined characteristics of biotic properties
(biodiversity) and abiotic properties (geodiversity). It is the variation in
the ecosystems found in a region or the variation in ecosystems over the whole
planet. Ecological diversity includes the variation in both terrestrial and aquatic
ecosystems. Ecological diversity can also take into account the variation in
the complexity of a biological community, including the number of different niches,
the number of and other ecological processes. An example of ecological diversity
on a global scale would be the variation in ecosystems, such
as deserts, forests, grasslands, wetlands and oceans. Ecological diversity is the
largest scale of biodiversity, and within each ecosystem, there is a great deal of
both species and genetic diversity.[1][2][3][4]
• [Link] This page was last
edited on 21 September 2022, at 23:51 (UTC). retrieved -October 3, 2022
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Biodiversity and the Human Health
Health is our most essential human right. Most people consider health as
treasure and wealth. It means overall wellness that secures our physical,
emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and social aspects. Therefore, health is a reliable
indicator for the country's sustainable development. The health of people affects
economic flow and growth (Cohabinitiative 2010).
Human health rests on biodiversity. The diverse collection of goods and
services provide unending benefits to human health. On the contrary, the
unprecedented loss of biodiversity globally impose threat to human health and
well-being. Hence, the call to maintaining a healthy and sustainable biodiversity
should not be disregarded. Life is impossible without a healthy and sustainable
global environment (Cohabinitiative 2010).
Here are the points on how does biodiversity affect our health
(Cohabinitiative 2010).
1. Biodiversity helps secure food, health, and livelihood for people.
Diverse collection of food systems maintain crop supply and also promote
resistance of crops and livestock to pests and other stressors. Diets
containing various types of food promote good health and provide the
necessary nutrients and vitamins for humans.
2. Biodiversity serves as a rich source of materials for medical research.
Research endeavors on wildlife diversity, anatomy and physiology, ecology,
and biochemistry can contribute to great developments in human medicine.
Some organisms of interest in research include horseshoe crabs, bears,
sharks, and cetaceans.
3. Biodiversity provides abundant resources for traditional and modern medicine.
Nowadays, there are still a lot of people who rely on traditional medicine for
maintaining their health. Modern drugs are also derived from natural products
including pain killers, drugs against cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and
cancer. Meanwhile, millions of species are still waiting to be discovered for
their potential application in medicine.
4. Biodiversity helps in the control and prevention of infectious diseases.
Destruction of biodiversity contributes to the emergence and transmission of
infectious diseases not only in humans but also in animals and plants.
Disease outbreaks due to SARS, avian influenza, malaria, Ebola, Marburg,
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and Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome have been accounted to human
induced abuse of biodiversity.
5. Biodiversity serves important roles for the communities' cultural, spiritual, and
social growth.
Biodiversity loss causes negative implications for physical, mental, and social
well-being of humans. There has been an increasing rate of pathologic
conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiopulmonary diseases
because of such loss. Access to greenspace are linked to better health
outcomes and faster recovery rate for the sick.
6. Biodiversity conservation is very important for climate change adaptation.
Biodiversity loss exposes the communities at greater risk of experiencing
adverse effects of climate change particularly floods and droughts among
others.
7. Stable and sustainable ecosystems support relief and recovery efforts.
Healthy ecosystems serve as natural buffers against devastating natural
phenomenon including typhoons, floods, landslides, and droughts among
others. These can also provide essential resources for rebuilding livelihood
during post-crisis events.
Let us pause and reflect...
We have just learned the various benefits that we derive from diverse
forms of life resources available around us. It is alarming that we cannot fully enjoy
such advantages because of natural and/or human activities that destroy these
gifts of nature. One of the factors that can pose threat and destroy our biodiversity
is habitat loss and destruction. This could be due to conversion of forests and
mountains to industrial lands for business purposes and also from natural disasters
like typhoons and earthquakes, although the outcome from the latter event can still
be rehabilitated later on.
Aside from habitat loss and destruction, can you name other methods
that can pose threat and destroy our biodiversity? List the methods and human
activities in the box below and explain your answers after.
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What destroys biodiversity?
1. Habitat loss and destruction.
2.
3.
4.
APPLICATION AND ASSESSMENT
Biodiversity Amidst the Pandemic
A. Individual Work
Answer the guide question completely. Gather references online or from
textbooks to support your claim.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected biodiversity? What is the impact on
the survival and growth of various ecologically important species of plants and
animals in the Philippines? You may attach pictures in order to clearly show the
impact of the pandemic on our environment.
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B. Group Work
In groups of 3-4 members, create a short video presentation (2-3 minutes)
that focuses on advocacy that protects and promotes our biodiversity for
environmental sustainability. Make sure that your advocacy will be unique, yet
practical and will encourage collective efforts from different age groups. Aim to
capture people's attention and make them aware of the importance of everyone's
involvement in protecting and taking good care of our environmental resources.
Let the people realize that such efforts will not only be of temporary outcome but
will affect the next generation.
REFERENCES:
Eden Joy Pastor Alata, Mark Joseph Tumada Calano, Greg Tabios Pawilen, 2021 Edition,
A Course Module for Science, Technology and Society, Published by Rex Book
Store, Inc
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