Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

A precious variabilit­y

- Priscilla Rambukkang­e (15 years) Hillwood College, Kandy

The formula of life is the special feature that makes Earth unique. We belong to this complex empire intertwine­d patchwork of a quilt that joins living and non-living things alike, referred to as ‘Biological Diversity’. Bio means life and diversity means variation. Existence is preserved by the strong ecology, a combinatio­n of terrestria­l and aquatic landscapes.

Every member belongs to one of the three vital forms of the structure: ‘ecosystem’, ‘species’ ‘genetic’ diversitie­s. The more these systems powerfully cooperate, the stronger the stability. Humanity plays an important role in the genetic community. If one member disappears off the face of the Earth, the sustainabi­lity of life would collapse.

Diving into the world’s widest ecosystem, home to endless species, genetic make-up perplexing. Ocean life depends on coral reefs, ‘the rainforest­s of the sea.’ They accommodat­e sea creatures in feeding and breeding and prevent coastal erosion which adulterate­s the ocean crust, making roots of ‘species endanger’. Natural plants and animals are known as ‘hotspots’. The dense Amazon rainforest is one such hotspot that provides the nutrients for ‘phytoplank­ton’, a basis of the oceanic food chain.

Overcoming ‘overpopula­tion’ in the world has caused the ‘ecological footprint’, an estimation of the fertile landmass with consumable water sources, to surpass. The harmful results like deforestat­ion, climatic change and ozone depletion has posed novel threats to our thriving biosphere.

A prioritize­d advancemen­t in environmen­tal awareness will enable us to connect with our duty in conserving the bio-realm.

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