Question

biodiversity
name: _____________
even though you may only eat a few species of plant or animal, list more species you indirectly depend on to live and why. the monkey and bacteria that support our forests are two examples.

Explanation:

To answer this, we identify species we indirectly depend on and their roles:

1. Bees: They pollinate many plants (like fruits, vegetables) that form the base of food chains or are directly consumed by us. Without pollination, these plant species would decline, affecting our food supply.
2. Trees (e.g., Oak, Pine): They produce oxygen (via photosynthesis) essential for our respiration, absorb carbon dioxide (regulating climate), and provide habitats for countless organisms that support ecosystems we rely on (e.g., birds that control pests, fungi that decompose organic matter).
3. Plankton (Phytoplankton): In oceans, they produce a large portion of the world’s oxygen and form the base of marine food webs. Fish (that we eat or that support other species) depend on plankton, so we indirectly depend on plankton for fisheries and oceanic ecosystem stability.
4. Fungi (e.g., Mycorrhizal Fungi): They form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, helping plants absorb water and nutrients. This boosts plant growth (including crops and forest trees), which we depend on for food, materials, and ecosystem health.

Answer:

• Bees: Pollinate food crops/ plants, supporting food supply.
• Trees (Oak/Pine): Produce oxygen, regulate climate, support ecosystems.
• Phytoplankton: Produce oxygen, form base of marine food webs.
• Mycorrhizal Fungi: Aid plant nutrient absorption, support plant growth.