Created by Wayne Parks, Scott Clegg, and Kevin Hord
Pictures by Wayne Parks

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Biodiversity overview

Biodiversity is short for biological diversity. It refers to the variety of living organisms (animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms) that inhabit a particular area. Biodiversity can be viewed at three separate levels:

1. the genetic makeup of an individual organism and the genomes of the species;

2. the species itself (animals, plants, etc.);

3. the ecosystem or biome in which critical relationships between species exist.

It is uncertain how many different species there are on Earth but estimates range between 10 and 50 million. To date, scientists have named and classified about 1.5 million separate species.

Humans benefit from biodiversity in many ways.

• Aside from the obvious benefit of green plants removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and replenishing it with oxygen, many insects, birds, and bats pollinate our agricultural crops.
• Rhizobial bacteria "fix" atmospheric nitrogen into usable nitrate fertilizer for many plants.
• Many of the essential raw materials such as food, fuel, fibers and medicine depend on sound biodiversity.
• Since we have only discovered a fraction of various life forms on the Earth, the vast majority of plants, fungi and microorganisms has not been tested for potential medicinal benefits. Yet, we continue to destroy habitat and thus destroy many different species.

  Although difficult to measure, it is estimated that in the U.S., about 1.5% of the well studied plant and animal species that were present in 1900 are now likely extinct and 22% are threatened or rare. Causes here include destruction of habitat, over harvesting, and the introduction of non-native species into new areas.

  Since there has been such a development boom in Carroll County within the last 10 or so years, destruction of natural habitat is a very important issue now in this county.

  This has led to the ever increasing need for public awareness. The best way to maintain species is to maintain their habitats. Natural habitats, such as wetlands and forests, are also crucial to the protection of human health.

  This web site is designed to inform residents of Carroll County of how important biodiversity is to the health of our environment. The following will direct you to locations in the county where you can experience first hand various habitats for wildlife and native plants. You can also do your part by creating habitats to attract wildlife and increase the biodiversity of the area.

  You will also learn of the value of non tidal wetlands which serve as sponges to reduce the impacts of floods and cleanse streams by filtering sediment, nutrients, and contaminants.

  About the county: Natural Environmental Areas:

  ........Hashawha Environmental Appreciation Center

   

  ........Piney Run Park

   

  .......Manchester Nature Center

   

  Creating Habitats to Attract Wildlife:

   

  .......Attracting Birds

   

  ........Planting Trees & wildflower habitats

   

  The Importance of Nontidal Wetlands:

   

  ........What is a non tidal wetland?

   

  .........What benefits do non tidal wetlands provide?

   

  The Significance of Endangered Species:

  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a wonderful web site on their Endangered Species Program which not only databases the current threatened U.S. species, but provides up to date information on laws and legislation regarding the Endangered Species Act.

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