Chapter 5, Problem 36A

Summary Introduction

To write:

The reason why reserves protect biodiversity.

Introduction:

Biodiversity is the variety of life in an area that is determined by the number of different species in that area. The loss of an entire species in a food web is not an imaginary situation. Entire species permanently disappear from the biosphere when the last member of the species dies in a process called extinction. Biodiversity maintains a healthy biosphere and provides direct and indirect value to humans.

Explanation of Solution

Several reasons are present to preserve biodiversity. Many humans work to preserve and protect the species on Earth for future generations. In additions, there are aesthetic, economic,and scientific reasons for preserving biodiversity. Conservation biologists recognize the importance of establishing protected areas where biodiversity can flourish. In 1872, the United States established its first national park called Yellowstone National park to protect the area’s geological features. Many additional national parks and nature reserves have been established since 1872. About 7% of the world’s land is set aside as some type of reserve. The United Nations supports a system of Biosphere Reserves and World Heritage sites. Costa Rica has established mega reserves which contain one or more zones that are protected from human activity by buffer zones. This approach creates a large managed area for preserving biodiversity while providing natural resources to the local population.

Conclusion

Reserves protect biodiversity because biodiversity enhances the stability of an ecosystem and contributes to the health of the biosphere. But they are often affected by human activities so many efforts are provided to slow the loss of biodiversity and to work toward sustainable use of the natural resource.