The Living World: Biodiversity

Recreational opportunities in a forest

Pest control by predatory insects

Fertilization of crops by nitrogen-fixing plants

Generation of oxygen by algae photosynthesis

Pollination by bees

Decomposition of waste by bacteria

Formation of soil from weathered rock

Production of oxygen by plants

Instituting policies that promote drip irrigation technology adoption coupled with drought-resistant crop varieties research funding.

Imposing heavy tariffs on imported agricultural goods to protect domestic farmers, encouraging greater water consumption.

Removing regulations on water withdrawals from rivers and aquifers, giving farmers unrestricted access to water resources.

Encouraging widespread use of flood irrigation systems to expand farmland use at the expense of groundwater reserves and downstream water availability.

Production of pharmaceuticals

Water purification using chemicals

Generation of solar energy

Carbon sequestration

Temporary boosts in shrimp populations benefiting certain predator species.

Enhanced nutrient cycling due to concentrated aquaculture waste products.

Reduced storm protection and increased erosion affecting local infrastructure and habitats.

Short-term increases in local employment opportunities through aquaculture development.

Algae compete with coral for cover, limiting the space available for coral growth and development.

Algae act as predatory organisms, feeding on plankton and small fish, disrupting the lower tiers of the food web.

Algae provide essential food and shelter for various marine creatures, ultimately sustaining a diverse set of life.

Algae contribute directly to increased salinity levels, altering the chemical composition of seawater.

Lower initial investment costs

Lower greenhouse gas emissions during operation

Less visual impact on landscapes

No need for water in electricity generation

Incremental increase in population of generalist herbivores.

Loss of keystone species leading to extensive changes in community structure.

Natural fluctuations in populations of several redundant species.

Introduction of non-native species that becomes moderately competitive.

Enhanced carbon sequestration due to increased forest density

Improved nutrient cycling from increased leaf litter decomposition

Increased biodiversity from selective breeding programs

Loss of biodiversity due to habitat destruction

Predators

Pollinators

Decomposers

Soil aerators