|
Air to breathe
Plants around the world take carbon dioxide out of the air and put oxygen into it - oxygen that you and other creatures need to breathe.
Food to eat
Bacteria in the soil make nitrogen that helps crops grow. Bees, bats, and bugs pollinate food crops. Birds and other predators control pests and improve harvests.
Clean water
Only a small amount - about 1% - of the water on our planet is usable. The rest is either salty or frozen! Forests around the world filter our usable water again and again, constantly replenishing the water we use for drinking, bathing, and growing crops.
|
Medicine when you're sick
Most of the medicines in your pharmacy have ingredients that come from plants and animals. Plus, more than 4 billion people in the world use traditional medicines that come directly from plants and animals.
All the other things you need
Clothes, shoes, paper, and pencils come from raw materials provided by Earth's diversity.
And a biodiversity bonus!
Pine trees, tide pools, tulips and you - biodiversity is beautiful!
|
