[RUEBEN KOKILEPERSAUD] May 26, 2013

Article one: Productivity Increases With Species Diversity, Just as Darwin Predicted
As predicted by Charles Darwin the productivity of a plant increases as it lives with a variety of different species. Tests were conducted, comparing a lot with only one species of grass to three other lots containing many different species. The results showed that species which were more distantly related produced more vegetation than species which were more closely related being put together. For example lot which had goldenrod and Black-eyed susan growing was noticeably less productive then the lot with goldenrod and bluestem grass, which were more distantly related. When reading this article it makes sense that this occurs in nature. Since the plants are more distantly related they will tend to acquire different resources. For example one plant may seek phosphorous whereas the other may seek nitrogen. With more species of plants present, each plant will fill in that environmental niche. However if one species is grown as a mono culture than it can only grow in the part of land which suites it the best. It is unable to live on the entire environment. It proves that Darwin's prediction was accurate and concise. The main idea of this article impacts us in a large global scale. Since productivity of plants increase when there is large diversity present it can hint to contribution in climate change. As plant species are going extinct every day, the diversity among different species begins to lower. As a result, based on Darwins prediction productivity of plants will begin to decrease. As productivity decreases there is a possibility of less carbon dioxide being extracted from the air. As a result it may further accelerate global warming. It is important that we try to preserve all natural and wild vegetation as much as possible so we can have this diversity and promote a healthy ecosystem. In addition to knowing this information having a diverse species together in one place can also help with farming. It has been proven that crops which are not grown as a monoculture have a yield which is 90% greater than of a monoculture. In addition diversity also helps with diseases among plants. Since there is greater genetic variation it means that we can use less pesticides, which in the long run can help save our waters. Pursuing this further the information can be a valuable tool and conservation efforts. Environmentalists who are trying to restore habitats which have been damaged either by natural causes or humans, can use the information to help them pick combinations of species to reintroduce to the community. This will vastly increase the rate at which we can restore these damaged areas. The next step is to promote this information to everyone. People will begin to understand the importance of diversity among us. With a greater understanding it will cause other people to spread the information as well. Eventually as it gains more popularity it will begin to put pressure on large co-operations who are currently eliminating lush forests to build just to build a factory or store. People must realize that with every action there is a reaction. As more species become extinct, it may appear we are not affected. However when examining on a much larger scale a changed is present.