Biodiversity. From plants, to the smallest of living organisms such as earthworms, to the majestic animals like elephants, all species have evolved to live on Earth, the planet we call home. These species may all be of different shapes and sizes but surprisingly, they all need each other to continue living a full life.
To understand this better, Earth, the admin of nature’s group chat, gave us access to the messages shared every day to keep life flowing all around us.
Earthworms typing…
Earthworms: The soil health has been handled.
Soil. The Earth’s surface is covered by this lean layer of what may look like dirt or dust to you. It is actually made out of broken rocks and organic matter that has been decaying for many years. These components include a lot of rich mineral particles which helps soil support all life forms, directly for plants and indirectly for animals. Soil is therefore considered to be a treasured resource. But it can easily erode by getting blown away by the wind or washed away with the water.
The formation of soil is supported by small organisms that we cannot see with our eyes, along with burrowing animals such as earthworms. These creatures create channels that allow oxygen and water to pass through easily. The soil porosity is enhanced, and the availability of other nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium also increase. The soil becomes aerated, fertile and functional through the persistent hard work of these earthworms.
Trees typing…
Trees: Oxygen supply is ready, release activated.
Now that the plants and trees have grown with the help of healthy soil, the leaves that proliferate from their branches begin to perform an important function called photosynthesis. In this act, every leaf absorbs carbon dioxide from the air and uses sunlight to make food for themselves. As part of this process, they push out oxygen — a gas most organisms on Earth depend on to breathe.
Along with their invisible inner functions, these amazing towering, brown and green entities also provide a home to a variety of insects, small mammals, birds and even bees — known to be key ecosystem engineers. Each nester in the trees plays a specific role for our environment. Some are responsible for pollination of flowers, helping fruits and vegetables grow. Some disperse seeds allowing more plants to flourish far and wide. And some others are a part of nature’s clean up crew as scavengers, feeding on creatures that have passed on after a vibrant existence on the planet.
Tigers typing…
Tigers: Forests are shrinking, we are coming closer to humans. But what about our territories? Will we ever be understood?
Tigers left the chat.
By now, we understand that all species may not be builders of the ecosystem, but every species maintains a crucial balance in it.
We often see tigers as hair-raising big cats! But they are important for our environment. They may not directly help in growing trees from the ground, but surprisingly, they are responsible for maintaining the verdant environment. These apex predators regulate the populations of grazing animals, which in turn allows greenery to flourish.
If tigers were to actually disappear from our environment, the prey they once used to hunt would increase in vast numbers. This rise in herbivore populations will in turn have a direct impact on plants. Overgrazing is a major threat that would not only decrease vegetation, but also decrease the quality of the soil.
Earth typing…
Earth: We have a real problem at our hands. Our habitats will not be able to function without our major predators.
As our cities continue to expand, wildlife has fewer jungles to call home. When such alterations have already been made to the environment, humans and wildlife will have to adapt around each other in order to live peacefully. This is called coexistence.
As humans are still in the process of learning to exist alongside wildlife, experts aid in reducing negative human-wildlife interactions. For instance, in the city of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, tigers have coexisted with humans for tens of years. A widespread study around the city was done to track the movement of these tigers and understand how they have adapted to living within the city, without making their presence come under spotlight. It was found that these tigers only roamed when the human city slept, underscoring the remarkable peace they wish to maintain.
Humans joined the chat
Humans typing…
Humans: We will not let the tigers disappear.
Humans added Tigers to the group.
This is only one example of how a single species can keep its natural abode running smoothly. Every organism, no matter their size, contributes in its own and unique way by either building or balancing their ecosystem. Even if the population of one species falters, it creates a ripple effect for the entire habitat.
Humans typing…
Humans: We are adding more species back to the group.
Humans have indeed made a negative impact on countless habitats. But now, with the help of wildlife conservationists and raising awareness, we must strive to revive the homes of species.
If nature’s group chat is to remain active, every member needs and deserves a place to live in. Wildlife SOS has taken the initiative to restore habitats by planting native trees and awareness. This International Day for Biological Diversity, join us in our Rewild for Wild plantation drives by donating for the cause.
Feature Image: Mradul Pathak/Wildlife SOS
