![[The New York State Biodiversity Clearinghouse (click to go home)]](images/banner.gif){kind=small}
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What
is Biodiversity?
In simple terms, the word biodiversity refers to the variety of life on earth. It includes the diversity of genetic materials within species, the variety of species in all taxonomic groups, and the array of communities, ecosystems, and landscapes within which species evolve and coexist. In the broadest sense, biodiversity is the sum of the variety of all living organisms at the species level. This includes the earth's plants, animals, fungi, and even microbes that we don't see. About 1.5 million species of organisms have been named, and there are still an estimated 10 to 100 million more that scientists have not yet described! Within individual species, there can be a tremendous amount of genetic diversity. This genetic variability is responsible for the different traits in species and has enabled living beings to adapt to the variety of environments that exist in the world. It also provides the raw materials by which new species arise through evolution. Examples of genetic diversity in New York State are the apple varieties that have been developed such as Empire and Cortland, each with unique flavors and textures and each adapted to particular growing conditions in the state. Ecosystem diversity is at the other end of the spectrum from genetic diversity. Ecosystems include not only the plants, animals, and microbes that coexist at a place, but also the ways in which they interact with each other and adapt to their physical environment. For example, the Neversink River ecosystem near Port Jervis, New York includes the fish, aquatic insects, mussels, waterfowl and variety of plants that have adapted to living in this section of the river with its riffles, pools, and cobbly riverbed. Biodiversity and its ecological processes sustain our lives and the lives of other species with which we share the planet � plants produce the oxygen in the atmosphere, microorganisms decompose waste products and recycle nutrients; wetlands filter pollutants and cleanse our waters; insects, birds and bats pollinate our crops. Biodiversity provides the raw materials we need � for food, fiber, timber, medicines, fuel and other resources. Biodiversity is inspirational � and it�s what makes New York unique. Imagine New York without the High Peaks and the cry of a loon on an Adirondack lake, the midsummer sounds and smells of a Long Island beach at dusk, the aquatic life of the Hudson River, the dawn chorus of spring birds in Central Park. We rely on biodiversity for enjoyment and recreation, spiritual fulfillment and for our cultural heritage. |
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This
web site was developed by the New
York State Biodiversity Project |
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