Biodiversity & Environmental Issues Test - 21

• Biodiversity is the variety and variability of all the levels of biological organization (plant and animal life) on Earth.
• Throughout the world, the diversity of plants and animals is not a uniform that is uneven distribution is observed.
• For ecosystem health, rich biodiversity is essential.

The humans derive countless direct economic benefits from nature is stated by the narrowly utilitarian argument. All the world commercial things provided to us by forests are included in this. It usually deals with the benefit of humans.

The species of plants contribute to the traditional medicines used by native peoples around the world are approximately 25,000. Some examples of traditional plants used for medicinal purposes are ginger, garlic, chamomile, tulsi, etc.

Narrow utility of biodiversity:
The narrow utility of biodiversity refers to specific benefits or uses that can be derived from biodiversity. Among the given options, both fiber production and taxol production are examples of narrow utility of biodiversity. Here is a detailed explanation:
1. Fiber production:
- Biodiversity plays a crucial role in fiber production as different plant species provide various types of fibers such as cotton, jute, hemp, and flax.
- These fibers are used in the textile industry to produce fabrics, clothing, and other materials.
- The diversity of plant species ensures a wide range of fiber properties, allowing for different uses and applications.
2. Taxol production:
- Taxol is a compound derived from the bark of the Pacific yew tree (Taxus brevifolia).
- It has anti-cancer properties and is used in chemotherapy treatments.
- The production of taxol relies on the biodiversity of the Pacific yew tree and its ecosystem.
- Protecting the biodiversity of these trees is essential for ensuring a sustainable supply of taxol for medical purposes.
Therefore, both fiber production and taxol production are examples of narrow utility of biodiversity as they represent specific uses and benefits derived from plant species.

Almost 25 percent of plant species are used for the production of the drugs currently sold in the market worldwide. Some plants used for the production of drugs are camphor tree, coca plant, poppy, turmeric, etc.

• Biodiversity is the variety and variability of all the levels of biological organization (plant and animal life) on Earth.
• Throughout the world, the diversity of plants and animals is not a uniform that is uneven distribution is observed.
• Rich biodiversity is essential for the survival of the human race.

The biodiversity is important for many ecosystem services that nature provides is stated by the broadly utilitarian argument. It involves the conservation of biodiversity by humans because it is their moral responsibility and they derive many benefits from nature.

The biodiversity hotspot concept highlights the coupledness of biodiversity and humanity. The concept, first suggested in 1988 by Norman Myers , arose from growing concern among ecologists and environmentalists about the rapid loss of habitat in areas of high biodiversity and endemism. 

Exploring molecular, genetic, and species-level diversity or the search for plant and animal species for products of economic importance such as medicinal drugs and other commercially valuable compounds is known as bioprospecting. The compounds explored are used in various fields such as academic, agriculture, bioremediation, pharmaceuticals, nanotechnology, industrial purposes, etc.

The Amazon rainforest is the world ’s largest tropical rainforest and is also known as the Amazon Jungle or Amazonia. Approximately 20 percent of the total oxygen in the Earth ’s atmosphere is released by the Amazon forest by the process of photosynthesis.