Biological Diversity of Today

Biodiversity is a term which refers to the amount and degree of diversity found within living biology. Biodiversity is likely best measured as the sum total of the number of existent creatures, systems, and variety of creatures found within the world at large (National Geographic, 2016). In order to best understand the significance of this statement, it is necessary to codify biodiversity into three different varieties. There are ecosystems, species, and genes which comprise all of the variety found within the notion of biodiversity (National Wildlife Federation, 2016). Therefore, all that is needed to determine biodiversity is to simply add the number of each ecosystem, species, and gene variation found.

Biodiversity is important because of the way that different living systems found within it interact with one another. Oftentimes there is a degree of dependence between those systems. It is worth noting that the term system is used herein liberally, and can refer to the physical and biological system of an insect as well as its surrounding habit, such as the swamps in Florida, for example. As previously mentioned, biodiversity is important because certain systems are able to sustain others. The ecosystem of the ocean, for example, is able to sustain the existence of whales. Some of the benefits of biodiversity are the positive impacts found in those interactions. For instance, certain tea leaves have medicinal purposes for humans, which is a boon for the latter.

There are numerous ways to measure biodiversity. Perhaps the most comprehensive is to simply tally the number of species, ecosystems, and genes (Purvis and Hector, 2000, p. 212). However, even when taking this approach it is necessary to utilize different ways to measures each of these things. Primarily, genetic diversity is measures by looking at points of variants within the genomes of particular organisms. By focusing on these variants scientists are able to ascertain which organisms have unique genetic make-ups, which is useful for measuring genes. Taxonomic diversity is likely the most effective measurement for species. This type of diversity classifies organisms in hierarchical manners (which is what taxonomies do for terms). Thus, it reveals the relationships between organisms which is helpful for measuring them. The key to measuring ecosystems is to use criteria that are consistent to determine when one ends and another begins.

Extinction is the eradication of one of the three forms of biodiversity from the planet. When extinction occurs, that particular species, gene, or ecosystem no longer exists. Extinction is caused by a host of different factors, some of which relate to economics. Changes in habitats of species can result in extinction. Extinction is also caused by over-hunting of species. Genes can become extinct due to mutation or certain diseases. Ecosystems can become extinct by changes in the states of them. For instance, prolonged drought can render extinct an ecosystem dependent on moisture and dampness.

This particular act was designed to both preserve and conserve elements of biodiversity. It is specifically concentrated on species, but also applies to ecosystem. It is meant to cease the specific causes of endangerment which can lead a particular element of biodiversity to become extinct. Thus, the principal purpose of this act is to prevent species, genes, and ecosystems from becoming extinct.

My chosen area is Miami, Florida. This is a fairly tropical area. It is located next to the Caribbean. Thus, it is closer to the equator than most other places in the continental United States. The weather here is primarily hot, which certainly affects the range of species here. The most diverse species here is birds. There are 364 of this species. The least diverse species is bumblebees; there are only six of them. These results are somewhat surprising. I would have thought there would have been more trees. 364 Birds
  67 Mammals
  68 Reptiles
  27 Turtles (non-marine)
  62 Amphibians
  274 Fishes
  167 Butterflies
  6 Bumblebees
  167 Dragonflies
  264 Trees
  11 Cacti
  12 Conifers
  11 Palms
Insects
The insect described in the area of Florida is bumblebees. Bumblebees play a vital role in regards to their importance to humans. Firstly, bumblebees play an instrumental role in the pollination process, which enables flowers and plant life to continually thrive year after years. Bees help to carry this pollen and help it germinate. They are responsible for the production of honey, which is used for both medicinal purposes as well as for culinary uses. Aesthetically, bumblebees are not very aerodynamic. However, they are still able to fly. This fact helped man in some of his attempts to develop craft that could fly.