Using specific examples, discuss four ways that humans benefit from biodiversity.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Should include some of the following, but may include others as well. 1) We have a large variety of food sources to choose from-all types of grains, starches, fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meat. 2) Pollinators provide us with many of our food sources, so they are also extremely important. They include birds, insects, and bats. 3) Bacteria and fungi provide us with many antibiotics. 4) Bacteria and fungi are also very beneficial as decomposers-cycling of nutrients. 5) Many plants have provided us with numerous drugs used to treat all types of diseases and illnesses. There are many discovered and undiscovered plants that may have medicinal potential. 6) Organisms provide us with ecological services that are invaluable to us-things like soil formation, water purification, production of oxygen, etc. 7) Organisms provide us with the opportunity for recreation-camping in a forest, fishing, horseback riding, etc. 8) Biodiversity can be economically beneficial. Many countries are now turning to ecotourism-making income by maintaining the natural environment for visitors to enjoy.