Biodiversity in Plants and Animals: Definition, Examples, Importance, Threats

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:24 PM IST

The diversity of organisms that make up our natural world, including animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms, is referred to as biodiversity. In intricate web-like ecosystems, these different species and creatures work together to maintain equilibrium and sustain life. Everything in nature that we require for survival, such as food, clean water, medicines, and shelter, is supported by biodiversity. Biodiversity in Plants and animals are important topics in Biology and they carry a weightage of 2-3% in NEET and 4-5% in CBSE and other Paramedical Exams.

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The diversity of Flora and Fauna
Also Read
The Importance of Biodiversity in Plants and Animals
Biodiversity in Plants
Biodiversity in Animals
Types of Questions Asked from Biodiversity in Plants and Animals
Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for Biodiversity in Plants and Animals

The diversity of Flora and Fauna

The diversity of flora and fauna is under severe threat all across the globe. There is a huge diversity of flora and fauna present on the planet and some of them even may extend before being discovered. According to the WWF 2022 Living Planet report, the population of mammals, fish birds, reptiles and amphibians have declined by 69% since 1970. Some of the major points are discussed below:

Human activities like fishing, deforestation and water pollution are responsible for climate change and this is one of the major threats to biodiversity.
The illegal wildlife trade also is one of the major factors for farming the flora and fauna on the commercial level for commercial gain.
66% of the ocean ecosystem and 75% of the land environment have undergone significant changes due to the change in biodiversity.
About 1 million species are currently under threat of extinction according to the recent Global Assessment Report.

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The Importance of Biodiversity in Plants and Animals

Some important events regarding the importance of Biodiversity in Plants and Animals are discussed below in the table.

Events	Explanation
Biodiversity loss	Recently there has been a loss of 30% of the original forest cover of Borneo’s in just 40 years.
Endangered species	The highly endangered species are orangutans which have almost vanished in the last two decades.
Biodiversity resilience	Biodiversity can be recovered if the pressure is reduced and the resources are managed wisely.
WWF’s Conservation Efforts	According to the WWF, local communities and governments are working to protect the land and they also address the illegal deforestation taking place.
Sustainable Resources	WWF collaborates with the business which is responsible for sourcing the products like paper and food.
Rebuilding Biodiversity	It is important to rebuild the diversity of flora and fauna in order to build up the ecosystem and good life for human beings.

Biodiversity in Plants

Throughout human history, thousands of plant crop species have been discovered, created, utilised, and depended upon for food and agricultural output. Bushes, grasses, herbs, shrubs, trees, vines, ferns, and mosses are some of these plants. Thousands of plant species have been discovered and used throughout the history of humans for agriculture and food production purposes.

The plant provides oxygen through photosynthesis and sugar which is essential for human energy.
Due to the diverse biodiversity of humans, there is human interaction with the ecosystem which has been shaped into plant biodiversity for food, development and survival of the humans.
Despite the biodiversity of flora and fauna, there is only a small number of crop species present that currently meet the Global food and energy requirements.
Plant biodiversity helps humans to fight against diseases, climatic changes, drought and other environmental challenges.

Biodiversity in Animals

Like plants, animals have a diverse range of species, and many have been tamed, domesticated, and used for food production, agriculture, and as the primary source of natural capital for the growth of livestock. This is essential for both maintaining rural development and food safety. Its management, however, has been appalling. Some basic points about the biodiversity of Animals are discussed below:

Animal species are important as they provide natural capital which is essential for lively stock growth and sustainable agriculture practices.
Wildlife species contribute to ecosystem services like pollination first control and also maintain the balance between the food chains.
Biodiversity loss is a threat to not only the ecosystem but also to the basic human needs that come from livelihood.
Genetic diversity within the animal species also helps them to adapt to some severe environments that will change diseases and evolve climate.

Types of Questions Asked from Biodiversity in Plants and Animals

During exam preparation, different types of questions about the Biodiversity of Plants and Animals are asked. The table below contains the different patterns of questions asked in different exams.

Exam Type	Types of Questions Asked	Weightage
CBSE	Importance of biodiversity in plants and animals (role in ecosystems, agriculture). Examples of plant and animal species critical for human survival (crops, livestock, wild species). Causes of biodiversity loss (deforestation, climate change, overexploitation). Conservation strategies for biodiversity (protected areas, sustainable resource use).	5%
NEET	Plant and animal species used in agriculture and food production (domesticated species, crop diversity). Importance of genetic diversity in plants and animals for adaptation to environmental changes. Threats to biodiversity (habitat destruction, invasive species, pollution). Role of biodiversity in maintaining ecological balance (pollination, pest control, nutrient cycling).	5%
Paramedical	Role of biodiversity in human health (medicinal plants, zoonotic diseases). Animals as indicators of environmental health (amphibians, birds). Biodiversity loss and its impact on ecosystems and human well-being (food security, climate resilience). Conservation efforts and global initiatives for biodiversity protection (WWF, IUCN).	5%

Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for Biodiversity in Plants and Animals

It takes effort to remember everything in a single go. We made the entire problem easy. Some of the tricks regarding Biodiversity of Plants and Animals are given below which you can use to memorise the important points.

Importance of Biodiversity

"CREPE: Conservation, Resilience, Ecosystem Services, Preservation, Economic Value"

C: Conservation of species and habitats is essential for maintaining ecological balance.
R: Resilience of ecosystems helps them adapt to environmental changes and recover from disturbances.
E: Ecosystem services provided by biodiversity include pollination, nutrient cycling, and soil fertility.
P: Preservation of genetic diversity ensures food security and the availability of resources for future generations.
E: Economic value derived from biodiversity includes agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and ecotourism.

Threats to Biodiversity

"HIPO: Habitat loss, Invasive species, Pollution, Overexploitation"

H: Habitat loss due to urbanization, agriculture, and deforestation threatens many species.
I: Invasive species disrupt local ecosystems and outcompete native species for resources.
P: Pollution from chemicals, plastics, and waste negatively impacts wildlife and habitats.
O: Overexploitation of species for food, medicine, and other resources leads to population declines.

Conservation Strategies

"PARE: Protected areas, Awareness, Restoration, Education"

P: Establishing protected areas helps conserve critical habitats and species.
A: Raising awareness about biodiversity and its importance encourages public support for conservation.
R: Habitat restoration involves rehabilitating degraded ecosystems to promote biodiversity recovery.
E: Education initiatives foster understanding and engagement in biodiversity conservation efforts.

Role of Biodiversity in Ecosystems

"FRIENDS: Food webs, Resilience, Interdependence, Diversity, Ecosystem stability, Nutrient cycling, Services"

F: Food webs illustrate the complex relationships between species and energy flow in ecosystems.
R: Biodiversity contributes to resilience, allowing ecosystems to withstand changes and recover.
I: Interdependence of species highlights the importance of each organism in maintaining balance.
D: High diversity increases the stability and productivity of ecosystems.
E: Ecosystem stability is enhanced by diverse species fulfilling different roles.
N: Nutrient cycling ensures the availability of essential resources for all organisms.
S: Ecosystem services provided by biodiversity benefit humans and the environment.

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biodiversity pattern species	Biodiversity Loss and causes
Species Diversity?	Biosphere reserves
Alpha Beta Gamma Diversity	In situ and Ex situ Biodiversity

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the importance of plant biodiversity in maintaining animal biodiversity?

Plant biodiversity is crucial for animal biodiversity as plants provide food, shelter, and habitats for animals. A diverse plant community supports a wider range of animal species by offering varied resources and niches, creating complex food webs, and maintaining ecosystem stability.

2. How does the concept of ecological niche relate to biodiversity?

An ecological niche is the role and position a species has in its environment. Biodiversity is enhanced when species occupy different niches, reducing competition and allowing more species to coexist. The variety of available niches in an ecosystem influences the level of biodiversity it can support.

3. How does biodiversity contribute to ecosystem services?

Biodiversity supports ecosystem services by enhancing pollination, pest control, nutrient cycling, water purification, and climate regulation. A diverse ecosystem is more efficient in providing these services, as different species contribute to various ecological processes.

4. How does genetic diversity differ from species diversity?

Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a species, while species diversity refers to the number of different species in an ecosystem. Genetic diversity allows species to adapt to changing environments, while species diversity contributes to ecosystem stability and function.

5. How does climate change impact biodiversity?

Climate change affects biodiversity by altering habitats, shifting species ranges, changing phenology (timing of life cycle events), disrupting species interactions, and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events. These changes can lead to species extinctions and ecosystem disruptions.

6. What is the importance of keystone plant species in maintaining animal biodiversity?

Keystone plant species play a crucial role in supporting animal biodiversity by providing essential resources like food, shelter, and breeding sites for many animal species. Their removal can lead to cascading effects throughout the ecosystem, potentially causing the loss of numerous dependent animal species.

7. What is the difference between native and invasive species in terms of biodiversity?

Native species are those that naturally occur in an area and have evolved within the local ecosystem. Invasive species are non-native organisms introduced to an area that spread rapidly, often outcompeting native species. While native species contribute to local biodiversity, invasive species can reduce it by displacing native organisms and altering ecosystem functions.

8. What is the importance of genetic diversity within a species?

Genetic diversity within a species is crucial for its long-term survival and adaptability. It provides the raw material for evolution, allowing populations to adapt to changing environments, resist diseases, and maintain overall fitness. Higher genetic diversity reduces the risk of inbreeding depression and extinction.

9. How does habitat heterogeneity influence biodiversity?

Habitat heterogeneity refers to the variety of physical structures and environmental conditions within an ecosystem. Greater habitat heterogeneity typically supports higher biodiversity by providing more niches and resources for different species, allowing for greater specialization and coexistence.

10. What is the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem productivity?

Biodiversity generally enhances ecosystem productivity through complementarity effects (species using resources in different ways) and selection effects (highly productive species dominating). More diverse ecosystems tend to use resources more efficiently and maintain higher levels of biomass production.

11. What is biodiversity and why is it important?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, including the diversity of plants, animals, microorganisms, and their ecosystems. It is important because it maintains ecological balance, provides ecosystem services like pollination and nutrient cycling, offers resources for medicine and food, and enhances resilience to environmental changes.

12. How does biodiversity contribute to ecosystem resilience?

Biodiversity enhances ecosystem resilience by providing functional redundancy, where multiple species can perform similar roles. This redundancy allows ecosystems to maintain their functions even if some species are lost, making the system more stable in the face of disturbances.

13. What is the relationship between habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss?

Habitat fragmentation breaks up large, continuous habitats into smaller, isolated patches. This process reduces biodiversity by limiting species movement, decreasing genetic exchange, and making populations more vulnerable to local extinctions due to reduced resources and increased edge effects.

14. What are the three main levels of biodiversity?

The three main levels of biodiversity are: 1) Genetic diversity (variation within species), 2) Species diversity (variety of species in an ecosystem), and 3) Ecosystem diversity (variety of ecosystems in a given area).

15. How do keystone species contribute to biodiversity?

Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem structure and function, disproportionate to their abundance. They help preserve biodiversity by controlling populations of other species, creating habitats, or providing essential resources for many other organisms.

16. What is the difference between alpha, beta, and gamma diversity?

Alpha diversity refers to the diversity within a specific area or ecosystem. Beta diversity measures the difference in species composition between ecosystems. Gamma diversity represents the overall diversity within a large geographic region, encompassing both alpha and beta diversity.

17. How does the edge effect impact biodiversity in fragmented habitats?

The edge effect occurs at the boundary between two different habitats. In fragmented landscapes, increased edge habitat can negatively impact biodiversity by altering microclimate conditions, increasing predation and competition, and facilitating the spread of invasive species, particularly affecting species adapted to interior habitats.

18. How does the island biogeography theory relate to biodiversity conservation?

The island biogeography theory suggests that species richness on islands (or habitat fragments) is influenced by island size and distance from mainland. This theory is important for biodiversity conservation as it helps predict how habitat fragmentation and isolation affect species diversity, guiding conservation strategies for protected areas.

19. How does functional diversity differ from species diversity, and why is it important?

Functional diversity refers to the range of functional traits in an ecosystem, while species diversity simply counts the number of species. Functional diversity is important because it reflects the variety of ecological roles and processes in an ecosystem, which may be more directly linked to ecosystem functioning than species numbers alone.

20. How does the concept of trophic cascades relate to biodiversity maintenance?

Trophic cascades occur when changes in the abundance of top predators ripple through food webs, affecting multiple trophic levels. This concept is important for biodiversity maintenance as it demonstrates how the loss or reintroduction of key species can have far-reaching effects on ecosystem structure and diversity.

21. How does phylogenetic diversity contribute to our understanding of biodiversity?

Phylogenetic diversity measures the evolutionary relationships among species in a community. It provides insight into the evolutionary history and uniqueness of species, which can be crucial for conservation prioritization. Communities with high phylogenetic diversity often have greater functional diversity and adaptive potential.

22. How does the concept of keystone species differ from that of foundation species in biodiversity?

Keystone species have a disproportionate impact on their ecosystem relative to their abundance, often through top-down control. Foundation species, on the other hand, create and define an entire ecosystem, providing habitat for many other species. Both are crucial for maintaining biodiversity, but in different ways.

23. How does the concept of niche partitioning contribute to biodiversity maintenance?

Niche partitioning allows species to coexist by using resources in different ways or at different times, reducing competition. This process enables more species to occupy the same ecosystem, thereby maintaining higher levels of biodiversity. It explains how seemingly similar species can coexist without outcompeting each other.

24. How does the concept of functional redundancy differ from functional complementarity in biodiversity studies?

Functional redundancy refers to multiple species performing similar roles, providing a "backup" if some species are lost. Functional complementarity occurs when different species perform distinct roles that together enhance ecosystem functioning. Both concepts are important for understanding how biodiversity affects ecosystem processes.

25. What is the importance of beta diversity in understanding landscape-level biodiversity patterns?

Beta diversity, which measures the difference in species composition between ecosystems, is crucial for understanding landscape-level biodiversity. It helps identify unique habitats, assess the impact of environmental gradients on species distributions, and guide conservation efforts to protect a full range of biodiversity across landscapes.

26. How does biodiversity contribute to the stability of food webs?

Biodiversity enhances food web stability by increasing the number of trophic interactions and creating redundancy in ecological roles. This complexity makes food webs more resilient to disturbances, as the loss of one species is less likely to cause a collapse of the entire system.

27. What is the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem function?

Biodiversity positively influences ecosystem function by enhancing productivity, nutrient cycling, and resilience to disturbances. More diverse ecosystems tend to perform multiple functions more efficiently and maintain these functions over time, even in the face of environmental changes.

28. How does the intermediate disturbance hypothesis relate to biodiversity?

The intermediate disturbance hypothesis suggests that biodiversity is highest at intermediate levels of disturbance. This is because moderate disturbances create opportunities for both early successional species and competitive species to coexist, whereas very low or very high disturbance levels tend to favor fewer species.

29. What is the role of mutualistic relationships in maintaining biodiversity?

Mutualistic relationships, where both species benefit from the interaction, play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity. These relationships, such as between plants and pollinators or between fungi and plant roots, create interdependencies that support the survival and diversity of multiple species within an ecosystem.

30. How does the concept of ecological succession relate to changes in biodiversity over time?

Ecological succession is the process of change in species composition over time. During succession, biodiversity often increases as new species colonize an area, reaching a peak in mid-succession. Late successional stages may have lower species diversity but higher structural complexity, supporting different types of biodiversity.

31. What is the importance of soil biodiversity for plant and animal communities?

Soil biodiversity, including microorganisms, fungi, and small invertebrates, is crucial for plant and animal communities. It supports nutrient cycling, soil formation, water retention, and plant growth, which in turn provide resources and habitats for diverse animal species. Healthy soil biodiversity underpins the entire ecosystem.

32. What is the role of biodiversity in ecosystem resistance and recovery?

Biodiversity enhances ecosystem resistance (ability to withstand disturbances) and recovery (ability to bounce back after disturbances) by providing functional redundancy and response diversity. More diverse ecosystems have a higher likelihood of containing species that can thrive under new conditions or quickly recolonize disturbed areas.

33. How does biodiversity contribute to the provision of ecosystem services for human well-being?

Biodiversity supports numerous ecosystem services that benefit human well-being, including food production, water purification, climate regulation, pollination, pest control, and cultural services. A diverse ecosystem is more likely to provide a wide range of these services consistently over time.

34. What is the relationship between biodiversity and disease regulation in ecosystems?

Biodiversity can help regulate diseases through the "dilution effect," where higher species diversity reduces the transmission of certain pathogens. This occurs because in more diverse communities, there are fewer encounters between pathogens and their most suitable hosts, potentially reducing disease outbreaks.

35. What is the importance of biodiversity hotspots in global conservation efforts?

Biodiversity hotspots are regions with exceptionally high concentrations of endemic species that are under threat. They are crucial for global conservation efforts because they allow for targeted protection of areas that harbor a disproportionate amount of the world's biodiversity, maximizing the impact of limited conservation resources.

36. What is the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem stability?

Higher biodiversity generally contributes to greater ecosystem stability. Diverse ecosystems are more resilient to disturbances and environmental changes because they have a larger pool of species that can respond differently to stresses, maintaining overall ecosystem function even if some species decline.

37. What is the role of biodiversity in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation?

Biodiversity plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration by influencing ecosystem productivity and stability. Diverse plant communities can be more efficient at capturing and storing carbon in biomass and soil. Additionally, biodiversity in soil microorganisms affects carbon cycling and storage in terrestrial ecosystems.

38. How does the concept of ecological redundancy relate to ecosystem resilience?

Ecological redundancy refers to the presence of multiple species that perform similar ecological functions. This redundancy enhances ecosystem resilience because if one species declines or is lost, others can compensate by performing the same function, helping to maintain overall ecosystem stability and function.

39. What is the importance of biodiversity in agricultural systems?

Biodiversity in agricultural systems is crucial for pest control, pollination, soil health, and crop resilience. Diverse agroecosystems are less vulnerable to pests and diseases, more efficient in nutrient cycling, and better able to adapt to environmental changes, contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture.

40. How does habitat connectivity influence biodiversity maintenance?

Habitat connectivity allows for the movement of species between different habitat patches. It is crucial for maintaining biodiversity by facilitating gene flow, allowing recolonization of disturbed areas, and enabling species to shift their ranges in response to climate change. Connected habitats support larger, more viable populations.

41. What is the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem energy flow?

Biodiversity influences ecosystem energy flow by affecting the efficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels. More diverse ecosystems often have more complex food webs with multiple energy pathways, potentially leading to more efficient energy use and higher overall productivity.

42. What is the importance of microbial diversity in ecosystem functioning?

Microbial diversity is crucial for ecosystem functioning as microorganisms play key roles in nutrient cycling, decomposition, and soil formation. They also form symbiotic relationships with plants and animals, affecting their health and productivity. High microbial diversity contributes to ecosystem stability and resilience.

43. What is the role of biodiversity in ecosystem restoration and rehabilitation?

Biodiversity is crucial in ecosystem restoration as it enhances the system's ability to recover and self-organize. Diverse communities are more likely to include species adapted to the post-disturbance environment, accelerating recovery. Biodiversity also increases the likelihood of restoring multiple ecosystem functions and services.

44. How does the intermediate productivity hypothesis relate to biodiversity patterns?

The intermediate productivity hypothesis suggests that species diversity is highest at intermediate levels of ecosystem productivity. Very low productivity limits the number of species that can survive, while very high productivity often leads to competitive exclusion. This concept helps explain biodiversity patterns across productivity gradients.

45. What is the role of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem multifunctionality?

Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem multifunctionality, which is the ability of an ecosystem to perform multiple functions simultaneously. More diverse ecosystems are likely to include species that contribute to different functions, enabling the system to provide a wider range of ecosystem services efficiently.

46. How does the concept of ecological networks relate to biodiversity and ecosystem stability?

Ecological networks represent the complex web of interactions between species in an ecosystem. More diverse and complex networks tend to be more stable and resilient to disturbances. Understanding these networks helps predict how changes in biodiversity might affect ecosystem functioning and stability.

47. What is the importance of phenotypic plasticity in maintaining biodiversity under changing environmental conditions?

Phenotypic plasticity, the ability of an organism to change its phenotype in response to environmental conditions, is crucial for maintaining biodiversity in changing environments. It allows species to adapt quickly to new conditions without genetic changes, potentially reducing extinction risks and maintaining ecosystem functions.

48. How does the concept of ecological stoichiometry relate to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning?

Ecological stoichiometry examines the balance of chemical elements in ecological interactions. It helps explain how nutrient availability affects species composition and ecosystem processes. Understanding stoichiometric relationships can provide insights into how changes in nutrient cycles might impact biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.

49. What is the role of biodiversity in the provision of nature-based solutions to environmental challenges?

Biodiversity is central to nature-based solutions, which use ecosystem processes to address environmental challenges. Diverse ecosystems are more effective in providing services like flood control, carbon sequestration, and water purification. Biodiversity enhances the resilience and adaptability of these natural solutions to changing conditions.

50. How does the concept of biodiversity-ecosystem function relationship change across spatial and temporal scales?

The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem function can vary across spatial and temporal scales. At small scales, individual species may have strong effects, while at larger scales, functional diversity becomes more important. Over time, the importance of biodiversity for ecosystem stability and resilience often becomes more pronounced, especially in the face of environmental changes.