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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

That's Wild: Self-Amputation Saves Fly Lives
August 30, 2023

A new study reveals that snow flies amputate their own limbs to survive extreme cold. Scientists previously knew little about these flightless insects, which inhabit frigid, hard-to-reach alpine areas.

Now, it's understood that if a leg freezes, these remarkable insects can remove it to prevent ice crystals from reaching their bodies and freezing vital organs. They then continue walking, demonstrating a unique survival mechanism.

This discovery was featured in the Center's weekly newsletter, Endangered Earth Online, issue 1,208 (Aug. 31, 2023): Endangered Earth Online No. 1208.