Introduction
Biodiversity is normally the change in the life cycle of living things in a given geographical zone or area. In this research, the focus will be on the effects of extinction on various aquatic organs and their biodiversity. Biological systems of living things are measured by taking into consideration of their ecological biodiversity (Mitsch, 2004, p. 27). It is important to note that, distinct biological species are found in millions, on the earth’s biodiversity. Various regions on earth have a different distribution of biodiversity, for example, in polar areas the biodiversity is less compared to tropical areas. Rapid activities on earth especially by human beings have caused the extinction of many species; this extinction due to humans is called Holocene extinction. These activities of human beings have destroyed animal and plant environments (Soule, 2005, p. 13).
The extinction of biodiversity is now causing problems to human health and this is very unfortunate. This effect has caused ripples at the international level, upon which there has been formed an organization by the name, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, to protect these species (Mitsch, 2004,p.56).In aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity is found where there are higher latitudes compared to lower latitudes.
Importance of Preservation
Aquatic biomes are wetlands that contain wet soils, full of vegetation and living organisms. The aquatic biomes are very important in the absorption of carbon dioxide and when these wetlands are destroyed carbon dioxide is exposed to the environment and thus leading to global warming (Soule, 2005, p. 67). These aquatic biomes also contain vegetation, where trees are part of the vegetation and upon the destruction of these trees the consumption of carbon dioxide is inhibited, thus causing the environment to be much exposed to carbon dioxide (Ehrlich, 1998, p.33).
Some vegetation such as mangroves help in the reduction of mudslides, glacier melting, and storms, they also help in controlling floods, which are rampant in bare land that is why human beings should preserve these diverse biomes. It is important for people living in wetlands to conserve these ecosystems to improve their livelihoods (Soule, 2005, p. 76).
Chemicals that come from many agricultural farms are effectively filtered by these aquatic zones, thus helping in purifying water zones. Good examples of countries that have preserved wetlands are; New Zealand, the United States, and South Africa, where acts of resource management have been enacted (Mitsch, 2004, p. 10). The goal of such regulation is to ensure that these wetlands are sustained and rehabilitated.
Why should humans be concerned with the extinction rate?
Extinction of biodiversity is the massive decrease of certain organisms in a specific geographical zone. It is believed that a large percentage of species that existed on earth before have now become extinct, this is based by scientists on the fossil records (Soule, 2005, p.36).
The rate at which biodiversity is becoming extinct is causing food chains to collapse, this is occurring on both sea and land. The collapse of this food cycle is inhibiting the rate of photosynthesis (Ehrlich, 1998, p.33). With such changes, human beings need to be concerned since this will affect them directly.
Biodiversity degradation usually causes the earth to be arider, this leads to the death of many species which are not adapted to these temperatures (Soule, 2005, p. 45).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the focus has been made mainly on the urge to protect aquatic zones due to the importance they have to human beings and the destruction of these biome zones can cause serious consequences to nature.
References
- Ehrlich, A. (1998). Extinction: The Causes and Consequences of the Disappearance of Species. New York, Random House institute.
- Mitsch, G. (2004).Wetlands a vanishing resource: Wetlands in Danger, New York: Cambridge University Press.
- Soule, M. E. (2005). Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Biodiversity Synthesis. Washington DC: World Resources Institute Press.