28: Conservation
Roughly 1.5 million species have been identified, and this is just a fraction of all the species on Earth. These species exist in a variety of ecosystems. Genetic differences among individuals within a species further contributes to the variety of life on Earth. While this biodiversity provides many benefits to humans, such providing food and building materials, recreational activities, and clean air and water, human population group and resource use threatens many species and ecosystems. Conservation biology is concerned with protecting biodiversity, which ultimately supports humans by promoting ecosystem function (Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)).
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- 28.3: Preserving Biodiversity
- Many interrelated strategies help preserve biodiversity. Legislation such as the Endangered Species Act directly protect species at risk of extinction. Non-profit organizations provide additional funding and research. Species-level conservation centers on just one species, but protected areas can preserve whole ecosystems. Ecosystem restoration involves returning an area (as much as possible) to its original state to promote ecosystem services and native species.
Attribution
Melissa Ha ( CC-BY-NC )
Image thumbnail: Maikal Hills in Kabirdham District, Chhattisgarh, India. The traditional healers take advantage of this rich biodiversity zone and use medicinal species in treatment of complicated diseases like different types of cancer, sickle cell anemia, etc. Image and caption (edited) by Pankaj Oudhia ( CC-BY-SA ).