Correct! I've read that fewer than one percent of plants and animals have been tested for their possible benefits to humans; but, regardless of their benefit to us, each organism is linked to another and taking one out of the total equasion will have results, perhaps devistating, even if we don't see it at the present time. When I first heard a lecture on Biodiversity, I though "Oh, boy. This is going to be a l-o-n-g hour." It was as I suspected as there was a great deal of scientific lingo discussing the interlinking of species and genetic diversity. But when you boil it down to easy to understand terms, it makes perfect sense. Here's an example provided by the University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture: "The royal catchfly is a prairie plant which is pollinated primarily by the ruby-throated hummingbird. Since prairies are being destroyed, the areas where this flower is found are small and isolated by many miles. The dwindling amount remaining may not be sufficient to attract the hummingbird. If not, there is no way for these flowers to be pollinated, or then to produce seeds. Thus, no next generation. At the same time, hummingbird populations are dwindling. Is there a connection? Can we afford to take the chance?" If you would like to read more on the topic: |
Paw Paw Patch |
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...Biodiversity |
Correct! I've read that fewer than one percent of plants and animals have been tested for their possible benefits to humans; but, regardless of their benefit to us, each organism is linked to another and taking one out of the total equasion will have results, perhaps devistating, even if we don't see it at the present time. When I first heard a lecture on Biodiversity, I though "Oh, boy. This is going to be a l-o-n-g hour." It was as I suspected as there was a great deal of scientific lingo discussing the interlinking of species and genetic diversity. But when you boil it down to easy to understand terms, it makes perfect sense. Here's an example provided by the University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture: "The royal catchfly is a prairie plant which is pollinated primarily by the ruby-throated hummingbird. Since prairies are being destroyed, the areas where this flower is found are small and isolated by many miles. The dwindling amount remaining may not be sufficient to attract the hummingbird. If not, there is no way for these flowers to be pollinated, or then to produce seeds. Thus, no next generation. At the same time, hummingbird populations are dwindling. Is there a connection? Can we afford to take the chance?" If you would like to read more on the topic: |
