What are the uses of biodiversity?

Explanation

Mankind derives various benefits from the biological diversity existing around him. They are- (a) Economic benefit: These are direct in obtaining food,fibre,firewood,timbre wood (for construction),gums,resinns,tannins,rubber,pharmaceuticals etc. (b) Drugs and Medicines: A number of drugs are based on plant products. Rosy periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus : Vincarosea) yields alkaloids (vincristine and vinblastine) which are useful for treatment of leukaemia. Morphine(papaver somniferum for pains), quinine (from bark of Cinchona ledgeriana for malaria), taxel (from bark of Yew, Taxus brevifolia and Taxus haccata for treating cancers) etc. (c) Aesthetic value: Biodiversity has a lot of aesthetic and attraction value, Ecotourism, birds watching,wildlife,pet keeping and gardening are all rawards of aesthetic value of biodiversity. (d) Cultural benefit: Historically people have linked themselves with certain specific plants and animals . Majority of indian homes have specimens of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) growing in pots. Trees of Ficus religiosa (Peepal) and Prosopis cinerania (khejri) are held sacred.They are planted and worshispped. Many birds and snakes are considered sacred and are worshipped. (e) Ecological benefits or Ecosystem services: Forests and oceanic systems control climate and maintain the gaseous composition of the atmosphere. Oxygen is replenished through photosysthesis and carbon dioxide levels are lowered. Storage and retention of rain waters of aquifers and resrevoirs and maintenance and purification of water regimes in soil and atmosphere is due to forests and vegetation. It helps in control of floods and soil erosion. The ecosystem services are valued at 16 - 54 trillion dollars per years.