Why is biodiversity important? Discuss its importance on a planetary level, on an ecosystem level, and on a personal level

This week we focus our discussion on biodiversity. Based on this week’s lectures and other class materials (see Week 6 in the Discussion Materials folder for additional resources), discuss the following questions. Feel free to do additional research on other examples if you like. You should also respond to at least one post from a fellow classmate.

1. What is biodiversity?

2. Why is biodiversity important? Discuss its importance on a planetary level, on an ecosystem level, and on a personal level. Include a photo illustrating a demonstration of biodiversity that is important to you.

3. What are some of the key threats to biodiversity? Use specific examples, such as focusing on threats to coral reefs or other highly diverse ecosystems.

4. Does biodiversity benefit humans? Explain your reasoning using at least one example.

5. In your opinion, who is responsible for protecting biodiversity? How should this protection be carried out? Use at least one specific example in your answer.