Evaluate the effect of loss of biodiversity in a region. Mention any four such effects.

Loss of biodiversity refers to decrease in species richness, (i.e., the number of different species in an area) and species evenness (i.e., the distribution and population of each species in an area).
In order to evaluate the effect of loss of biodiversity in a region we need to know the causes of biodiversity loss:
1. Climate change
2. Pollution
3. Habitat destruction
4. Overexploitation of the natural environment
5. Invasive alien species
Based on the above causes we can point out some very important conclusions about the effects of loss of biodiversity. Some of these conclusions are can be seen below:
Climate change would lead to global warming which leads to thermal pollution and this impacts the global aquatic ecosystem as increase in temperature reduces solubility of oxygen in water. Similarly, climate change is associated with increased CO${}_2$ emissions.
Pollution, Habitat destruction and Invasive alien species are associated with extinction of many species.
Overexploitation of the natural environment leads to reduction in ecosystem services provided to humanity like the crisis of fossil fuels is not so far from reality.
Hence, one can conclude that loss of biodiversity impacts the earth and its inhabitants on a large scale.
- The effects of biodiversity loss can thus be described as follows:
. Economic effect of loss of biodiversity - The most important thing is the monetary value of biodiversity worldwide. Ecosystem services, such as pollination, irrigation, soil reclamation, and other services that must be paid for when nature cannot take care of it.
. Extinction of species – Loss of habitat and hunting have led to extinction of species.
. Increased rate of zoonotic infections in human populations – Loss of biodiversity can lead to reduced natural habitats and more human- animal interactions which can become the reason for the spread of zoonoses.
. Unpredictable weather