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

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.

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.

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

Potential migration of traditional farmers toward more technologically intensive agriculture methods to exploit new niches created by agroforestry.

Drastic reductions in water usage due to increased shade and moisture retention afforded by tree cover.

Diminished reliance on synthetic fertilizers detrimental to nearby aquatic systems.

Increased genetic diversity among cultivated crops due to the presence of various tree species serving as windbreaks and habitat for wildlife.

Wetlands filter pollutants from water, improving quality for wildlife habitat and human use.

Wetlands provide extensive fertile agricultural land due to regular flooding events.

Wetlands generate significant oxygen production surpassing that of large terrestrial forests.

Wetlands are pivotal locations for commercial fishing activities, providing most global fish catch.