The significance of this finding is primarily that the recorded diversity level of the species studied corresponds directly to all the other elements of the complex ecosystem processes essential to the planet's atmosphere and to the continued replenishment of the planet's surface. Danovaro also points out that the direct relationship between the number of supported species and the efficiency of ecosystem processes revealed in his findings demonstrate that the deep-sea ecosystem is even more dependent on biodiversity than previously thought. On land, biodiversity is known to be important in the overall ecosystem, but it is only one of many other interrelated component of overall ecosystem efficiency and health. Apparently, in the underwater environment, biodiversity is not just another contributing factor, but rather, it is the single most important specific aspect...

Ultimately, the implication of the study is that the health of our planet - including the terrestrial environment and the gaseous atmosphere upon which all living species depend - is affected very directly by the sustained biodiversity of the deep- sea underwater ecosystem.
References

Cell Press (2007, December 28). Deep-sea Species' Loss Could Lead to Oceans' Collapse, Study Suggests. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 19, 2008, at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071227184100.htm