Why is Regional Biodiversity Important?
Each species depends on the services provided by other species to ensure survival. This includes humans. It is a type of cooperation based on mutual survival that is often referred to as a balanced ecosystem. If one part of that balanced ecosystem is removed it throws the rest of the system “out of whack.” Specifically, biodiversity is important because: • Complex ecosystems with a wide variety of plants and animals tend to be more stable. A highly diverse ecosystem is a sign of a healthy system. • Ecosystem services, such as the fresh air, clean water and productive soils that we need to survive are preserved through a bio-diverse plant community. • New sources of medicines, food and other plant-derived compounds are continually found in a diverse plant and animal population. • Diversity allows ecosystems to adapt to changing conditions. Diverse plant and animal communities are better able to survive pest infestations, diseases and changing microclimate conditions. Native species are
