Question

Explain why it is too narrow to define the biodiversity crisis as simply a loss of species.

Short answer

The biodiversity crisis is not described as simply a loss of species because biodiversity is not only at the species level but also at the genetic and ecosystem levels. So, if a crisis occurs in the biodiversity, it includes genetic diversity within species and their population and degradation in the component or entire ecosystem.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1: Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the presence of different kinds of living organisms in a particular area. Different varieties of each group of organisms, such as animals, plants, fungi, protists, and microorganisms, constitute biodiversity.

All organisms act as important components of an intricate web to maintain life. Biodiversity is an important source of many resources, such as wood, medicine, water, and food.

Step 2: Species

Species comprise all related organisms that have many similar morphological and physiological characteristics, and they can interbreed.

There are many species concepts that explain how a species is as a group of organisms. These are genetic species concepts, ecological species concepts, and biological species concepts.

Step 3: Levels of biodiversity

Biodiversity is not only found at the species level but also occurs at the genetic and ecosystem levels. Thus, a crisis in biodiversity cannot be simply termed a loss of a species.When a loss in biodiversity occurs, it may be a genetic loss, which refers to the loss in the gene pool or genes found within a population.

A deterioration in an ecosystem is also said to be a form of biodiversity crisis when an ecosystem is destroyed by many physical factors, such as temperature, water, and winds.