Back to: Environmental Biology 200 Level
Welcome to class!
Hello brilliant learner! I’m glad you’re here today. Imagine walking through a Nigerian rainforest — you’ll see tall iroko trees, colourful butterflies, chattering monkeys, and birds singing overhead. That variety of life is what we call biodiversity. But did you know that all these living things are quietly providing services we rely on every day — from the clean air we breathe to the food on our plates? Today’s lesson is on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, and by the end, you will see why protecting nature is as important as protecting your own home.
Biodiversity And Ecosystem Services
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity means the variety of all living things — plants, animals, fungi, and even tiny microorganisms — and how they interact with each other and their environment. Nigeria is blessed with rich biodiversity: from elephants in Yankari Game Reserve to the mangrove crabs of the Niger Delta and cocoa plants in the south-west.
Levels of Biodiversity
Genetic diversity: Differences in genes within a species. For example, the many types of yam grown across Nigeria.
Species diversity: The variety of different species. A Nigerian forest has hundreds of bird, insect, and tree species.
Ecosystem diversity: The variety of habitats like savannahs, mangroves, rainforests, and wetlands.
What are Ecosystem Services?
Ecosystem services are the benefits humans get from nature. These services are grouped into four main types:
Provisioning services: Things we take directly, like food (yam, cassava, fish), fresh water, firewood, and medicinal plants.
Regulating services: Natural processes like flood control by wetlands, pollination by bees, or climate regulation by trees.
Cultural services: Non-material benefits like tourism at Obudu Cattle Ranch, spiritual places like sacred groves, and relaxation in parks.
Supporting services: Processes that help other services, like soil formation, nutrient cycling, and seed dispersal.
Why Biodiversity is Important
Biodiversity ensures that ecosystems stay balanced and resilient. For instance, bees pollinate crops like tomatoes and pepper, ensuring we have food. Forests give us oxygen and clean our air. Without biodiversity, human survival would be impossible.
Threats to Biodiversity
Deforestation: Clearing forests for farming or timber reduces wildlife.
Pollution: Oil spills in the Niger Delta harm aquatic life.
Overhunting and poaching: Reduces animal populations like elephants.
Climate change: Rising temperatures affect habitats and species.
Conservation of Biodiversity
We can protect biodiversity by:
Establishing protected areas like national parks and game reserves.
Planting trees and practising sustainable farming.
Enforcing laws against poaching and illegal logging.
Educating people on the importance of wildlife.
Summary
- Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, from genes to species to ecosystems.
- Ecosystem services are the benefits we get from nature, like food, clean water, and climate regulation.
- Nigeria’s biodiversity supports agriculture, tourism, culture, and livelihoods.
- Conservation efforts are necessary to protect our environment.
Evaluation
- Define biodiversity in your own words.
- Mention and explain the four types of ecosystem services with Nigerian examples.
- List three threats to biodiversity in Nigeria.
- State two ways humans benefit from pollination.
You’ve done excellently today! Always remember, when you protect nature, you’re protecting your own future. Keep learning with Afrilearn, because each step you take today builds a brighter tomorrow!