Biodiversity And Changes in the Ecosystems What is …Biological Diversity (Biodiversity)?
The variety of different species in an ecosystem, genetic variation within a population of a species, and variety of kinds of ecosystems.
A Species?
A group of related and similar living organisms that can interbreed among their own species and produce fertile offspring.
Species Diversity?
The different types of living organisms within a region or ecosystem (plants, animals, and other life forms).
An Ecosystem?
All the living organisms and all the non-living components of a given area interacting as a whole functional unit.
Ecosystem Diversity?
The variety of different habitats in a particular area (i.e., wetland, woodland, grassland; coral reef, tide pool, mangrove).
Introduction
Greater biodiversity makes species and systems more resilient, while loss of biodiversity weakens them, making them more vulnerable to extinction. If a large proportion of the biosphere is invested in only a small number of species (such as humans and their associated domesticated/cultivated species), this will result in an inherently unstable system.
The biodiversity, interactions, and functions within ecosystems have developed and evolved over countless years. Changes that have occurred ever so slowly over time have allowed for adaptation of species and ecosystem survival. But, catastrophic and rapid changes can have a disastrous effect on ecosystems and biodiversity of species. Among these are natural events such as volcanic eruptions, floods, tsunamis, and hurricanes. Other disruption and destruction of the natural environment and biodiversity occurs through rapid and harmful human activities.
The ecosystems on Earth that are most remote from the effects of human activities are the places where incredible amounts of species are as yet to be discovered by humans. Once discovered, this could be for better or worse. Worse, if these ecosystems should then become compromised by their very discovery, and harmful human activities begin.
http://www.eco-prs.com/biodiversity-ecosystems.htm