Importance of Biodiversity

Biodiversity is essential in maintaining a balanced ecosystem for all the organisms living in the ecosystem.All species in the ecosystem are interdependent - they rely on each other to survive.All species also rely on abiotic factors such as minerals in the soil and water.Plants provide food and habitats and fungi and other microorganisms decompose dead plants and animals to recycle and return the nutrients to the soil so the plants can grow.If there is reduced biodiversity the ecosystem will not be resilient to major disturbances and may eventually collapse, harming all species in the ecosystem.Humans rely on balanced ecosystems for food, oxygen and materials we need to survive.Human activities such as farming(monoculture), deforestation and clearing land for housing lead to less biodiversity.