CHAPTER 4 LESSON 2
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY
SOCIETY
Joshua Borre
Angel Aman
BIT FAT 2A
Introduction
Biodiversity comprises all living forms that we see around us. These
include all essential goods and services we derive from the
environment. Therefore, we can say that we depend on the richness of
biodiversity for our survival. Any alteration in the biodiversity of species
can affect our lives whether directly or indirectly.
Endemic species of plants/animals:
Philippine Eagle
(Pithecophaga jefferyi)
Description:
Largest eagle in the world, found only in the
Philippines.
Critically endangered due to habitat loss and
hunting.
Characterized by its large size, powerful talons,
and distinctive crest.
Endemic species of plants/animals:
Tamaraw (Bubalus
mindorensis)
Description:
Dwarf water buffalo endemic to Mindoro
Island. Critically endangered due to habitat
loss, hunting, and human-wildlife conflict.
Smaller than other water buffalo species.
Endemic species of plants/animals:
Rafflesia manillana
Description:
A parasitic plant with a
large, foul-smelling flower.
Endemic to the
Philippines, it is rare and
difficult to find.
Aiodiversity and the Human Health
1. Biodiversity helps secure food, health, and livelihood for people.
Diverse collection of food systems maintain crop supply and also promote
resistance of crops and livestock to pests and other stressors. Diets
containing various types of food promote good health and
providenecessary nutrients and vitamins for humans.
2. Biodiversity serves as a rich source of materials for medical research.
Research endeavors on wildlife diversity, anatomy and physiology, ecology,
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and biochemistry can contribute to great developments in human
medicine. Some organisms of interest in research include horseshoe crabs,
bears, sharks, and cetaceans.
Aiodiversity and the Human Health
3 Biodiversity provides abundant resources for traditional and modern
medicine.
Nowadays, there are still a lot of people who rely on traditional medicine for
maintaining their health. Modern drugs are also derived from natural
products including pain killers, drugs against cardiovascular diseases,
diabetes, and cancer. Meanwhile, millions of species are still waiting to be
discovered for their potential application in medicine.
Aiodiversity and the Human Health
4. Biodiversity helps in the control and prevention of infectious
diseases.
Destruction of biodiversity contributes to the emergence and
transmission of infectious diseases not only in humans but also in
animals and plants. Disease outbreaks due to SARS, avian influenza,
malaria, Ebola, Marburg, and Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome have
been accounted to human induced abuse of biodiversity.
Aiodiversity and the Human Health
5. Biodiversity serves important roles for the communities' cultural,
spiritual, and social growth.
Biodiversity loss causes negative implications for physical, mental, and
social well-being of humans. There has been an increasing rate of
pathologic conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and
cardiopulmonary diseases because of such loss. Access to greenspace are
linked to better health outcomes and faster recovery rate for the sick.
Aiodiversity and the Human Health
6. Biodiversity conservation is very important for climate change
adaptation.
Biodiversity loss exposes the communities at greater risk of
experiencing adverse effects of climate change particularly floods
and droughts among others.
Aiodiversity and the Human Health
7. Stable and sustainable ecosystems support relief and recovery
efforts.
Healthy ecosystems serve as natural buffers against devastating
natural phenomenon including typhoons, floods, landslides, and
droughts among others. These can also provide essential resources
for rebuilding livelihood during post-crisis events.
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