Chapter 6, Problem 52A

Summary Introduction

To write:

The three broad categories of biodiversity value.

Introduction:

Biodiversity is the variety of life in an area that is determined by the number of different species in that area. Biodiversity maintains a healthy biosphere and provides direct and indirect value to humans. Biodiversity is often lost in an environment due to which the abiotic and biotic factors that required a healthy ecosystem are no longer available.

Explanation of Solution

The three categories of biodiversity value are direct economic value, indirect economic value, and aesthetic and scientific value.

• Direct economic value- Maintaining biodiversity has a direct economic value to humans. Human beings depend on plants and animals for food, shelter, and different materials. It is important to conserve species that are used directly but also to maintain the genetic diversity of species that are not used directly. They function as potential source of desirable genes for future.
• Indirect economic value- A healthy biosphere on earth offers various resources for humans and other species. Plants supply oxygen, and remove dioxide. Substances are cycled by living organisms and non-living systems, supplying nutrients to all living species.
• Aesthetic and scientific value- The additional considerations for maintaining biodiversity and healthy ecosystems are the aesthetic and scientific value that they provide. Life would have been different if all that was present on earth was a barren and desolate landscape. Biodiversity and healthy ecosystems beautify the environment and provides scientists with many interesting plant and animal life to study.

Conclusion

Biodiversity has direct and indirect economic value, and aesthetic and scientific values.