How can We Conserve Biodiversity on a Global Scale Using Evidence from Evolution in Deep Time - Literature review Example

How can We Conserve Biodiversity on a Global Scale using Evidence from Evolution in Deep Time? Total Number of Words: 2,001 Introduction Biodiversity, derived from the word ‘biological diversity’, is a very broad concept that is referring to a variety of plants and animal species, micro-organisms, forest and the ecosystem (Australian Government, 2009). Although the estimated number of species on Earth would range between 2 to 10 million (Pidwirny, 2006), a lot of biologists remain uncertain with regards to the exact figure. The historical evolution behind the physical and biological development of the Earth contributed to the type of environment we have today. In the past, the evolution behind the plate tectonics of the continents significantly changed the Earth’s biota. Because of the changes in the plate tectonics combined with the fossil remains of the ancient reefs which was formed approximately between 360 to 440 million years ago (Veron, 2004), rock formation that we have today is formed. Aside from the changes in the Earth’s surface, the extinction of each species may also contribute to the formation of a new species. In line with this matter, Fredrickson and Onstott (1996) discussed the possibility that the subterranean bacteria could have been responsible not only in the erosion process of rocks but also in terms of converting the minerals from one form to another. Millions of years ago, the atmosphere was composed of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, methane, sulphur, and nitrogen gases (Brasier et al., 2002; Haynes, 2002). Biologists suspected that the presence of photosynthetic bacteria around two to three million years ago has changed the atmospheric condition we have today by releasing some oxygen into the atmosphere. (Haynes, 2002) The living fossils managed to survived hundreds of million years ago. However, 99.9% of all the species are now extinct (Raup, 1991, pp. 3 – 6). For this study, the past human and environmental factors that can significantly affect the extinction of some of plants, animals, micro-organisms, and the ecosystem among others will be thoroughly discussed followed by reflecting on how we can effectively conserve biodiversity on a global scale based on the identified major causes of extinction. As part of the conclusion, recommended ways on how we can prevent the mass destruction of biodiversity will be provided in details. Human and Environmental Factors that Causes the Extinction of Plants, Animals, Micro-organisms, and the Ecosystem Environmental Changes / Loss of Habitat Human actions can result to a significant change within the environmental. Because of heavy industrialization, the loss of habitat due to heavy pollution or the extinction of trees in the forests are among the common factors that could endanger the plant and animal species. There are approximately two to fifty million insect species in the past. (Vojtech, et al., 2002) Habitat degradation due to environmental pollution can significantly affect the number of insect species available today. It is a fact that a lot of the insect species are killed because of the high levels of toxicity which significantly affect not only their life span but also their capacity to reproduce and compete for food with other species. Today, only 6 to 10 million insect species are left on Earth (Chapman, 2006, p. 60; Vojtech, et al., 2002). The destruction of the tropical rainforest in exchange with an open pasteurized land is another example of habitat destruction. Because of the absence of trees, a lot of plants and animal species that cannot survive in an open land suffers (Leakey and Lewin, 1995, pp. 191 – 192). It is a common knowledge that ferns grow only on shaded areas. Since there are no trees that can protect the fern from a direct sunlight, ferns will no longer able to grow in the area. The same is true when human beings perform bottom trawling on the ocean floors, not only does this type of human action destroys the 95 – 98% of the coral reefs but also the extinction of some fish and other related marine animals like groundfish and prawns that are inhabiting the ecosystem (Gianni, 2004). Pollution and Diseases Air, water, and land pollution are interrelated factors that can cause the death of the animal, plants, and marine life species. Because of the presence of pesticides and pollution within the environment, these animals can easily develop different types of diseases which could lead to their untimely death. As a result of the continuously increasing human population, the number of individuals who are using nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on crops is increasing. The toxic substance such as fertilizers and oil that has been spilled or goes into the sea water can kill not only the fishes but the entire marine ecosystem. Basically, excessive amount of nitrogen and phosphorus substances on the freshwater and seawater can promote the growth of algae and other plants aside from decreasing the amount of oxygen which is needed in sustaining the marine life (Green Facts, 2009). Excessive pollution and other gases that go straight to the atmosphere can also lead to uncontrollable climate change or global warming. Because of the extreme changes in the weather and temperature, the distribution of species around the world, the animals’ reproduction timing, mortality, and growth rates are also significantly affected. In some cases, changes in the climate can affect the genetic makeup of species as they try to adapt with the new weather conditions (Reid, Pisupati, and Baulch, 2004). Aside from altering the animal interactions between two species, changes in the weather condition can also trigger disease outbreaks (Gayton, 2008). With regards to excessively hot temperature, the risk of experiencing forest fires including the breeding of spruce budworm which could destroy the forest also increases (Gitay et al., 2004). On the other hand, prolonged raining can lead to floods which can destroy the animals and other species’ habitat (Thomas et al., 2004). Biological Competition As a common knowledge, animals and other organisms compete with each other for their own survival. Since there are millions of animal species on Earth, it is inevitable for some of them to compete not only for food and water but also the space where they live. Biological competition is not limited to animals and other organisms; competition is also evident in plants. For instance: Decrease in the number of birds, bees, and other types of pollinators can significantly affect the incidence of pollination in flowering plants. (Gallessich & Maqruder, 2006) As a result, there is a risk that flowering plants can become extinct. Illegal Killing of Animals and/or Illegal Logging Hunting and trapping of animals for food and/or for business activities significantly affect the extinction of some animals and plants. For instance: Some reptile animals like snakes and crocodiles are purposely killed to increase the supply of raw materials for the leather industry whereas ornamental plants like orchids and cacti are used in producing ornaments. As a result of illegal killing of animals and logging, the long-term survival of the animal and plant species will suffer. With regards to illegal logging and deforestation activities, Stavros Dimas – the European Commissioner explained that this type of activities have serious environmental implications because it can contribute to global climate change and the loss of biodiversity (Casey, 2008). Genetic Hybridization Not all animal and plant extinctions are caused by human actions. It is also possible that the inability of the human beings to control the genetic hybridization or genetic swamping of plants and animals could lead to the extinction of an existing species in exchange with a new one. (Aubry, Shoal, & Erickson, 2005) For instance: An animal species left his original habitat in order to search for food. In the process of becoming in contact with another species, there is a possibility for genetic hybridization to occur (Rhymer & Simberloff, 1996). As a result of interbreeding, a new animal species is likely to develop. Upon analyzing the history of biodiversity, environmental pollution has a lot to do with the possibility of genetic hybridization. Because of excessive air and water pollution, surviving animals would search for a new environment due to the absence of available shelter, food and water. Reflecting on How the Identified Historical Causes of Mass Distinction can be Applied to the Present Biodiversity Upon examining the biodiversity extinction based on the historical evolution, one of the best strategies to conserve biodiversity on a global scale is to promote the importance of fighting against air and water pollution and climate changes around the world. For this reason, EU has implemented environmental laws which could help lessen air, water and noise pollution. This can be done particularly by controlling the risk associated with the use of nuclear energy, biotechnology, and chemicals. Given the fact that EU is considered the leader in protecting the environment on a global scale, EU managed to establish a comprehensive system on how we can effectively “protect the environment from the harmful emission of air, water, and noise pollution, waste disposal, conservation of natural habitats including the chemicals and industrial accidents” (European Commission). As part of EU’s effort in protecting the environment, international programs like: (1) United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) – international policy for chemical use; (2) Kyoto Protocol and UN Framework Convention – prevention of climate change; (3) Global Forest Carbon Mechanism (GFCM) – prention of global deforestation; and (4) UN Montreal Protocol – prevention of ozone depletion (European Commission, 2009; Casey, 2008). For instance: Considering that carbon dioxide emission from cars accounts for as much as 12% of the overall EU emissions, EU made it mandatory to increase the use of biofuels and improve the production of vehicle motor technology (European Commission, 2009b). As for the climate change control, UN invites each country to join and support the Kyoto Protocol – “an international agreement that is connected with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change” (UNFCCC, 2009). Basically, signing parties who will fail to comply with the emission target will have to face a 30% penalty (European Union, 2004). Destruction of animal and plant habitat is another major cause of animal and plant species extinction. Aside from air and water pollution as well as the climate change, illegal logging could also significantly decrease the number of animals and plant species we have today. EU is also fighting against illegal logging. Back in October 2008, the European Commission published a legal draft proposal on how we could reduce the selling of illegal timber throughout the EU market (Casey, 2008). By prohibiting the selling of timber which came from illegal logging, the demand for illegal log consumption is expected to decrease over time. On a global scale, EU established the GFCM as an international negotiation on climate change wherein developing countries would be financially awarded for taking actions to reduce the number of human activities related to deforestation and forest degradation (Europa, 2008). With regards to the killing of animals for food and other business-related purposes, the Council of Europe (CoE) approved the five conventions for animal protection known as: (1) EC for the Protection of Animals during International Transport (1979) and (2003); (2) EC for the Protection of Animals for Farming purposes (1976); (3) EC for Protection of Animals for Slaughter (1979); (4) EC for Protection of Vertebrate Animals for Experimental and other Scientific Purposes (1986); and (5) EC for Protection of Pet Animals (1987) (Caporale et al., 2005). With regards to animal protection on a global scale, the European Commission is negotiating for bilateral and multilateral trade agreements in order to include some provisions of animal welfare with other countries. Conclusion Among the common causes of biodiversity extinctions includes: (1) environmental changes and loss of habitat; (2) pollution and disease; (3) biological competition; (4) illegal killings of animals and illegal logging; and (5) genetic hybridization. Since most of these causes are related to human actions. European Commission together with other related agencies are working towards the implementation of international protocols which aims to fight against the major causes of biodiversity extinctions. Considering the limitations of implementing international protocols as a way to promote biodiversity, there is a strong need to educate each individual regarding the importance of keeping our environment sustainable for the growth of all living things within the ecosystem. *** End *** References: Aubry, C., Shoal, R., & Erickson, V. (2005). Native Seed Network. 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