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Biodiversity

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Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem. It is necessary for life to thrive on Earth.

Aldo Leopold, one of the great thinkers of conservation, observed more than half a century ago the importance of protecting species. "To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering," he wrote. Losing species is like throwing away one by one the engine parts of an airplane while flying.

Biodiversity is a major initiative of Conservation International.

Biodiversity conservation provides substantial benefits to meet immediate human needs, such as those for clean, consistent water flows; protection from floods and storms; and a stable climate. 

Curated by mokiethecat

Wild & Weird: How Leopard Slugs Mate
August 26, 2020

Leopard slugs exhibit a beautifully bizarre mating ritual. Each hermaphroditic individual, preferring coupling over self-fertilization, climbs a tree or rock at night. They then lower themselves on a mucus tether, entwining their bodies. Gravity assists in deploying their oversized penises, which emerge from the right side of their heads.

Once coitus is complete, both slugs ascend the mucus tether, with the one bringing up the rear consuming it. Learn more about this fascinating process at the BBC. Footage for such observations is often provided by sources like Bernoid.com.