| dc.description.abstract | The editors have been deeply involved in the biodiversity studies both geographically as well as at species level, and they have
been working on the topics of ecology and biogeography for the last few decades. This special issue deals with our mother earth which is
embedded with a wonderful diversity of ecosystems with bees, birds and others pollinating three quarters of major crops on our globe, and
all are interdependent, thereby sustaining the whole planet. There are nearly 2 million different species and millions are awaiting their
discovery. Biodiversity includes all from tall trees to small single-celled organisms impossible to see with naked eye. These can be
measured by counting their numbers in a particular area. Some of the habitats are rich in endemics. Some areas are designated as
biodiversity hotspots and their preservation is a must. The Special issue aims to make some contribution in this direction. Biodiversity also
means ecosystems and communities of living beings together with their surroundings. We can also look at our biodiversity as genetic
diversity because genes are the basic units of biological information. In fact, all living beings are interconnected and depend on each
another like beads of a chain, the forests are home to animals, latter eat plants which need healthy soil to live, but fungi act as
decomposers thereby helping in the production of fertile soils. If our biodiversity is lost all these connections will break, harming all those
living in an ecosystem. Our ecosystems are resistant and stronger simply because of biodiversity. It is important for humans by giving off
oxygen, providing food, shade, material support, medicines, and fiber for clothing and paper. Plant roots prevent flooding and parts of
biodiversity keep soil fertile and water clean but if it decreases these systems break down quickly. As discussed in this issue, successful
agriculture and tourism too depends on biodiversity. Any destruction in this connection will have an immediate impact on the economy of
locals in the vicinity. Unfortunately, thousands of species become extinct, or die out entirely, before we learn about their uses. We are
losing these species hundreds times were than the natural rate, due to global climate change and destruction of natural habitats, pollution
and overhunting the lead to a drop in biodiversity as discussed by several authors in this special issue | en_US |
