Unit 2 Science DB - Essay Example

Biodiversity Biodiversity is expressed in ecosystems, plants, animals, and genetics. It is the number of differences in life forms and the number of times they appear. Biodiversity is defined as the variation in the plants, animals, fungus, microorganisms, and the genetic code they contain as well as the ecosystems they exist in (Commonwealth Department 2004). These differences create a self-control mechanism for nature and help assure that no species runs out of control and takes over a habitat.

Biodiversity also continues to supply us with the variety of products that we need such as food and medicine. In the years 1981-2002, over 60% of the anticancer drugs on the market were produced from the genetic resources of our biodiverse plants and animals (Newman, Cragg & Snader 2003 p.1022). Biological diversity exists everywhere on the planet. However, the degree of diversity can be severely impacted by natural events and human interaction. Some of the most biodiverse ecosystems are the tropical rainforests of South America, Asia, and Africa.

These locations have felt the effects of human impact and have been rendered far less diverse than in past centuries. Humans have deforested the Amazon basin for logging, cattle ranching, and agribusiness (Urquhart et al. n.d.). Genetic diversity is vital to the health of an ecosystem and the loss of biodiversity in this region is an alarm to the sustainability of human existence. When a natural disaster or human impact damages an ecosystem, this damage spreads to affect other parts of the ecology.

The loss of a single species can lead to the loss of others that use it as a food supply. The habitat may be taken over by a species that suddenly loses a natural predator. The organisms responsible for feeding, fertilizing, and recycling our planet can be lost because of small changes to their environment. Biodiversity is essential for the future of humans on this planet. The minor changes in farming methods, development, pesticides, and herbicides can have a lasting and disastrous effect on our food supply.

Alterations to rainforests can affect the weather and climate of the planet (NASA). Introduction of non-native species, such as the Salt Cedar in the western U.S,"[.] may have significant negative effects on water resources" (Invasive species 2005). To assure this does not happen, we need to measure our actions and limit the destruction to our environment. Technology, such as NASAs satellite that monitors invasive plants, should be supported (Invasive species 2005). Globalization makes the worldwide transportation of plant diseases and insects a major threat.

There needs to be strictly enforced biological quarantine laws. One example is the US quarantine of the Mexican Fruit Fly. This is necessary to prevent its spread and the potential cost of $900 million to producers and exporters (Rules and Regulations 2005 p.37253). Without this vigilance, Californias rich agribusiness could go the way of the ancient chestnut forests that were eradicated by an invasive species. .There are many destructive plants and insects that have been introduced into the US environment.

The chestnuts were killed by Chestnut Blight, a fungus believed to have been imported on Japanese chestnut trees at the end of the 19th century (Anagnostakis 1997). The Giant Hogweed was imported from abroad as an ornamental plant 90 years ago. Today it grows wild to a height of 20 feet and is known to be a "dangerous, poisonous plant that should not be touched" (Invasive species 2005). ReferencesAnagnostakis, S. (1997, November). Chestnuts and the introduction of chestnut blight. Retrieved February 19, 2007, from http://www.caes.state.ct.us/FactSheetFiles/PlantPathology/fspp008f.

htmCommonwealth Department of the Environment. (2004). Biodiversity and its value (Vol. 1). B. Richardson (Ed.), . Canberra, AU: Department of Environmental and Water Resources. Retrieved February 19, 2007, from http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/publications/series/paper1/index.html#1Invasive species will now be watched by NASA (2005, January 19). Retrieved February 19, 2007, from http://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/environment/invasive_agreement.htmlNASA. (2004). NASA data shows deforestation affects climate in the Amazon. L. Jenner (Ed.), . Washington, DC: Goddard Space Center.

Retrieved February 19, 2007, from http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/news/topstory/2004/0603amazondry.htmlNewman, D., Cragg, G., & Snader, K. (2003). Natural Products as sources of new drugs over the period 1981-2002 [Electronic version]. Journal of Natural Products, 66, 1022-1037.Rules and Regulations. (2005). Federal Register 70 (124) pp. 37249-37254Urquhart, G. et al. (n.d.). Tropical deforestation. Retrieved February 19, 2007, from http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Library/Deforestation/