Why Are Scientists Exploring Midwater Communities of the Celebes Sea?
A key purpose of NOAA’s Ocean Exploration Initiative is to investigate the more than 95 percent of Earth’s underwater world that until now has remained virtually unknown and unseen. Such exploration may reveal clues to the origin of life on Earth, cures for human diseases, answers on how to achieve sustainable use of resources, links to our maritime history, and information to help protect endangered species. Indonesia is well-known as one of Earth’s major centers of biodiversity. Although Indonesia covers only 1.3 percent of Earth’s land surface, it includes: • 10 percent of the world’s flowering plant species; • 12 percent of the world’s mammal species; • 16 percent of all reptile and amphibian species; and • 17 percent of the world’s bird species. In addition, together with the Philippines and Great Barrier Reef, this region has more species of fishes, corals, mollusks, and crustaceans than any other location on Earth. What, exactly, is meant by biodiversity, and why is it important
