Microbial Technology for Biomedical and Environmental Applications Volume-1 pp 67-81
Editors: M. Prakash and N. Karmegam (2026)
ISBN: 978-93-94174-14-6
Chapter 6
Biodiversity: Concepts, Importance, and Environmental Applications
Dr. B. Packialakshmi1*, Dr. K. M. Sakthivel1, Dr. R. R. Rasmi2 and I. Shama Anzum1,
1Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, PSG College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore, India
2Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, PSG College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore, India
Abstract
Biodiversity forms the foundation of life on Earth, encompassing the diversity of genes, species, and ecosystems that sustain ecological balance and support human well-being. It plays a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem stability, enhancing resilience against environmental changes, and providing essential ecosystem services such as food production, pollination, climate regulation, nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and water purification. However, rapid urbanization, deforestation, habitat fragmentation, pollution, invasive species, overexploitation of natural resources, and climate change have accelerated biodiversity loss, posing significant threats to environmental sustainability and global ecological security. This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of the fundamental concepts of biodiversity, including its levels, distribution, ecological significance, and economic value, while highlighting the major drivers responsible for its decline. It further examines contemporary approaches to biodiversity conservation through both **in situ** and **ex situ** strategies, emphasizing the importance of protected areas, habitat restoration, sustainable resource management, and community participation. The chapter also explores emerging environmental applications of biodiversity, including ecological restoration, climate change mitigation, environmental monitoring, ecosystem-based adaptation, sustainable agriculture, bioremediation, and conservation planning. In addition, recent technological advancements such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, molecular tools, environmental DNA (eDNA), and artificial intelligence are discussed for their growing role in biodiversity assessment and management. By integrating ecological.
Keywords
Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services, Environmental Conservation, Sustainable Development, Biodiversity Management.
Cite this Chapter: Packialakshmi, B., K. M. Sakthivel, Dr. R. R. Rasmi and I. Shama Anzum. 2026. Biodiversity: Concepts, Importance, and Environmental Applications. In: M. Prakash and N. Karmegam (Eds.), Microbial Technology for Biomedical and Environmental Applications. Excellent Publishers, India. pp. 67-81. doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/978-93-94174-14-6_6
