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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

Chimps Apply Insects to Wounds
February 15, 2022
Researchers from the Loango Chimpanzee Project have reported a novel discovery: Chimps in Loango National Park in Gabon, Africa, catch flying insects and apply them to their own wounds, as well as the wounds of other chimps around them. The behavior may qualify as self-medication to prevent or reduce the harmful effects of pathogens and toxins.