When you go for a walk in nature, you expect to see trees, shrubs, and grass growing naturally. However, there is a problem called “dark diversity” where many native plant species are missing from their suitable habitats due to human activities.
In areas heavily impacted by humans, only about 20% of native plant species are present. Even in less disturbed areas, only 33% of viable plant species can be found. Pollution, habitat conversion for farming, logging, and fires are some of the reasons for the low number of species in the wild.
Our actions, such as farming and urbanization, are leading to a loss of plant species. Nearly 600 plant species have gone extinct since 1750. To better understand this loss, a study was conducted in 119 regions around the world. It was found that areas with less human disturbance had lower biodiversity loss.
Protecting nature is important to prevent further loss of plant species. By identifying missing species, we can work towards bringing them back to their habitats. This study highlights the need to protect and restore our ecosystems.
Vocabulary List:
- Biodiversity /ˌbaɪ.oʊ.dɪˈvɜːr.sɪ.ti/ (noun): The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
- Extinct /ɪkˈstɪŋkt/ (adjective): The state of a species that no longer exists.
- Habitat /ˈhæbɪtæt/ (noun): The natural home or environment of an animal plant or other organism.
- Pollution /pəˈluːʃən/ (noun): The introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that causes adverse change.
- Urbanization /ˌɜːr.bən.ɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The process of making an area more urban or city-like.
- Ecosystems /ˈiː.koʊˌsɪs.təmz/ (noun): A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
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