Measurement of ecosystem diversity is a young discipline, but it is an essential aspect of the total diversity and should be reflected in any biodiversity assessment. We are dependent on fundamental biological processes for our health, sustenance and well being. Humans derive many benefits from the biodiversity that flourishes on this planet, ranging from food to many medicines and industrial products. Biotic resources also serve for recreation, tourism, and a quality of life that is intrinsically valuable but difficult to quantify. Many ecologists believe that highly diverse ecosystems are more resilient and better able to respond to habitat changes caused by humans.
Greater diversity provides for increased primary productivity and nutrient recycling.
In 1999, Earth s human population reached 6 billion. We are coming to realize that biological resources have limits, and we are using up those resources. The main threat to the Mid-Atlantic region s biodiversity is unsustainable development. Urban development and resource-based industries, such as mining and forestry are destroying or reducing natural habitat. Human activity is causing species to disappear at an unprecedented and alarming rate.