Question

Why is the world's loss of biodiversity a source of concern?

A. Humans depend upon other organisms for food and oxygen.
B. Species extinctions have been rare throughout history.
C. Loss of biodiversity is not a concern because extinctions are common
D. Both A and B

Answer 1

The loss of biodiversity is concerning because it threatens vital ecosystem services and human welfare, with current extinction rates much higher than the natural background rates due to human activities.

Step-by-step explanation:

The world's loss of biodiversity is a major source of concern because it has significant implications for ecosystems and human welfare. Humans depend on biodiversity for food, oxygen, medicines, and ecosystem services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and soil development. With the extinction rate estimated to be 500-1000 times higher than the background rate, we risk the collapse of ecosystems, which could have severe repercussions on food production, clean water, clean air, and overall human health. The main threats to biodiversity include habitat loss, overharvesting, and the introduction of exotic species, all exacerbated by human population growth and unsustainable resource exploitation. Additionally, anthropogenic climate change is predicted to increase the rate of extinctions significantly in this century.