ACTIVITY 3

IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY TO HUMAN HEALTH

Direction: Enumerate at least 10 benefits of Biodiversity to Human Health

1. Medicinal Resources- Many of our medicines are derived from plants, animals, and
microorganisms found in nature. Biodiversity provides a vast array of chemical compounds that
can be used in pharmaceuticals to treat various illness.
2. Nutrition- Biodiversity supports a diverse range of food sources, including fruits, vegetables,
grains and seafood. A diverse diet rich in these natural foods contributes to better nutrition and
overall health.
3. Clean Air and Water- Healthy ecosystems contribute to cleaner air and water. Forests,
wetlands, and mangroves help filter pollutants and maintain water quality, reducing the burden
of diseases related to poor water and air quality.
4. Climate Regulation: Biodiverse ecosystems play a vital role in regulating climate by
sequestering carbon dioxide and stabilizing weather patterns. This indirectly benefits human
health by mitigating the impacts of climate change.
5. Natural Disease Regulation: Biodiversity helps regulate infectious diseases by influencing
disease vectors (e.g., mosquitoes) and maintaining a balance in ecosystems that can limit the
spread of diseases.
6. Mental Health and Well-being: Access to green spaces and natural environments has been
linked to improved mental health, reduced stress levels, and enhanced overall well-being.
7. Recreation and Cultural Value: Biodiverse areas provide recreational opportunities such as
hiking, birdwatching, and eco-tourism, contributing to physical activity and stress reduction.
They also hold cultural and spiritual significance for many communities
8. Resilience to Environmental Changes: Biodiversity enhances ecosystem resilience, making
human communities less vulnerable to environmental changes and disasters.

THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY
Direction: Enumerate at least 10 threats to biodiversity caused by humans.
1. Habitat Destruction: Deforestation, urbanization, and conversion of natural habitats for
agriculture and infrastructure destroy critical ecosystems, leading to loss of species and
disruption of ecological balance.

2. Climate Change: Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather
events due to greenhouse gas emissions threaten many species, especially those with specific
habitat and climate requirements.
3. Overexploitation: Unsustainable hunting, fishing, and harvesting of wildlife for food, medicine,
pets, and souvenirs can drive species to extinction or endangerment.

4. Pollution: Chemical pollutants from agriculture, industry, and households can contaminate
ecosystems, affecting species survival, reproduction, and health.

5. Invasive Species: Introduction of non-native species, intentionally or accidentally, can

outcompete native species, disrupt food webs, and lead to declines or extinctions of local flora
and fauna.

6. Fragmentation: Construction of roads, dams, and other barriers can fragment habitats,
isolating populations and reducing genetic diversity.