Chapter 47: Q 19. (page 1401)

Explain how biodiversity loss can impact crop diversity.

Short Answer

Expert verified

The crop diversity/vegetation is impacted by biodiversity loss.

Step by step solution

Step 1. Introduction

Biodiversity is the variety and range of organisms involved in different types of ecosystems. The variety can be measured for genetic variation in ecosystem types and species types within a specific biome.

Step 2. Description

Crop diversity refers to the variation in genotype and phenotype of crops used in agriculture. It can vary in yield, size, height, flower color, gene content, flavor, and uses, among other things. Different crops have different tolerance to heat, cold, or drought, resistance to changing climate, resistance to disease, and so on. The same crop may exhibit variation and phenotype-based upon the number of nutrients and climatic conditions in which it grows.

Step 3. Additional information

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, more than 90% of crop varieties have been lost, and many domestic animals have gone extinct. Currently, only 12 plant and 5 animal species support 75% of the world's population. The loss of biodiversity is the primary cause of the decline in crop diversity. It is caused by forest loss, coastal flooding, and contamination of aquatic life. Some of the primary reasons why biodiversity loss affects crop production are as follows:

1. The native crop has become more susceptible to disease as a result of the loss of biodiversity.

2. Pests and insects that feed on another plant will begin to rely on another crop due to the extinction or scarcity of that species.

3. The loss of biodiversity will alter the climatic conditions of the ecosystem, putting strain on crops. Only those who adapt to climate change will be able to B, after which the change will cease; the rest will succumb to change and become extinct.

4. Alien species will begin to invade, making native crops more vulnerable. Indian species are highly invasive in nature and can quickly supplant native plants.

5. Due to the obvious loss of biodiversity, soil quantity will degrade, which will directly affect crop metabolism, and if external nutrients such as fertilizers are not used, crops will be unable to grow. Fertilizers, on the other hand, have a long-term negative impact on soil and plants.