- News
- Pest Control
Natural predators such as wasps and birds help reduce populations of pests that destroy plants on farms. - Pollination
Many of the world's staple crops are pollinated by insects, birds, bats and other animals. - Productive Soil
A variety of living organisms take part in the decomposition processes that create soils and make nutrients available for plants to use. - Resistance to Disease and Pests
Genetic diversity helps to provide resistance to disease and pests – mass production of a single crop variety makes it easier for a disease or pest to wipe-out the entire crop.
Did You Know?
The essential agricultural processes made possible by Earth's biodiversity:
Resources
- American Livestock Breeds Conservancy
This nonprofit organization works to protect endangered livestock breeds from extinction. Their website includes a list of rare and endangered breeds along with numerous links to additional sources of information. - The ARK USA
Created by Slow Food, The ARK is a project designed to preserve foods that are at risk of becoming 'extinct' - this includes rare varieties of fruits and vegetables, heritage breeds of animals, and foods created using increasingly uncommon methods of production. - Australian Government, Department of the Environment and Heritage
Discusses the principles and values of genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. - Breeds of Livestock
Created by the Department of Science at Oklahoma State University, this site includes an extensive listing of domestic animal breeds, complete with background information and photographs. - The Center for Biodiversity and Conservation
Created by the American Museum of Natural History, the Center integrates scientific research, education, and outreach so that people, themselves major catalysts in the rapid loss of biodiversity, will become participants in its conservation. - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: Biodiversity
This site illustrates the important connection between biodiversity and food security issues. - New England Heritage Breeds Conservancy
This organization works to preserve heritage breeds as part of America 's livestock legacy. - United Nations Environment Programme, World Conservation Monitoring Centre
This UN site provides a good general overview of the concept of biodiversity. - Seed Savers Exchange
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving and sharing heirloom seed varieties. Their site includes information about heirloom plant varieties and an extensive catalog of heirloom seeds.