WHy is biodiversity amongst this taxon so important?
We all know that there are a diverse number of species within the Felidae family, but do we know why this biodiversity is so important? The small genetic variations among these species are crucial for maintaining a balanced equilibrium of ecosystems.
One major factor that makes biodiversity of the Felidae family very important, is the diversity of the prey. Nature's biodiversity is in balance and so ecosystems can easily maintain themselves (unless for human intervention of some sort).
The different characteristics and adaptations in this taxon are influenced by their environment and food supply.
The different characteristics and adaptations in this taxon are influenced by their environment and food supply.
FOR EXAMPLE...
Lions are very large animals and able to tackle down large prey. Lions obviously have the physical capability to do that, so they do.
|
Clouded leopards stalk the prey and then attack. The different abilities the clouded leopard possess, like being a good tree climber, is co-related with the behaviour and location of it's prey.
|
Cheetahs are very fast and so it is able to catch animals that are fast as well; such as gazelles or impala.
There is a distinct relationship between predator and prey. |
The diverse group of organisms help keep the diverse populations of their prey in check as well.
Along with that, these predators are actually, in a sense, helping the prey populations. If a lion is chasing a group of antelopes, the weakest is most likely going to fall behind and get eaten. The lion is keeping a healthy population in check by singling out the weak and incapable.
Another important component of why biodiversity is important to keeping viable ecosystems, is the greater the diversity of organisms within a taxa, the less impact the group will face if there is a disruption in the ecosystem such as a disease. For example, if a vast number of forests are cut down, that does not majorly affect the entire Felidae taxa because not all of the cats live in forests. The diverse habitats that are occupied such as grasslands, rainforests, and savannas will remain, continuing to provide of the rest of the family.
Also, if there is some change in the environment, the more diverse the group of animals are- the easier it will be to adapt to these changes through natural selection. The ability for a group of species to adapt to their given conditions will help minimize the severity of the change.
Also, if there is some change in the environment, the more diverse the group of animals are- the easier it will be to adapt to these changes through natural selection. The ability for a group of species to adapt to their given conditions will help minimize the severity of the change.