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Persuasive Draft Intro

Submitted by nskinner on Wed, 10/23/2019 - 16:18

Biodiversity offsetting is when a loss in biodiversity is then compensated for by a gain. This should result in no net loss at a minimum and if possible lead to a net gain in biodiversity. This loss in biodiversity is often due to human activity such as development. Biodiversity offsetting can be measured by measuring the species richness and species evenness. As an undergraduate student that is majoring in Biology with a focus on ecology, special attention is given to biodiversity. Biodiversity is a major determinant to the overall function and dynamics of ecosystems. Biodiversity can be measured using the Shannon-Wiener Index. When discussing a loss in biodiversity that is supplemented by a gain, a controversial question comes into view. Is it morally correct to experience a loss caused by human development that is replaced by a supplemental gain even if that gain is not the same as what was lost? In the grand scheme of things biodiversity in itself is what is important, not the individuals that make up the whole. Ultimately, this means that biodiversity offsetting should be measured by species richness as well as species evenness.

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