Final answer:
Biodiversity offers economic benefits such as a genetic pool for agriculture and raw materials for various products. It also provides essential ecosystem services, including water and air purification, waste decomposition, and pollination. The loss of decomposers would severely disrupt nutrient cycles and the overall health of ecosystems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Economic Benefits of Biodiversity
Biodiversity greatly contributes to the economy by providing a vast pool of genetic variation essential for breeding programs, especially in agriculture. Wild plants and animals are the sources of many products like timber, adhesives, dyes, and rubber. Beyond the direct economic benefits, certain species can also act as bioindicators that signal the presence of toxins in our environment, such as the near-extinction of the peregrine falcon due to DDT.
Ecosystem Services of Biodiversity
Ecosystem services are vital benefits that humans get from a diverse range of species and ecosystems. These include purification of air and water, decomposition of wastes, generation of soil fertility, and pollination of both crops and natural vegetation. Areas rich in biodiversity ensure these essential services are carried out effectively, helping to sustain human agriculture and the natural environment.
Global Impact of Biodiversity Loss
Predicting the impact of losing decomposers in an ecosystem illustrates the interconnectedness of biodiversity. Without decomposers, waste would accumulate, nutrients would not recycle efficiently, leading to a breakdown in ecosystem productivity. Ultimately, this could devastate food webs and threaten the survival of many species.