Imagine our Earth as a giant garden full of various kinds of living creatures. Biodiversity is the extraordinary wealth of genes in this park. Gene diversity is not only beautiful but also crucial, as each gene plays a unique role in maintaining natural balance and supporting human life. Let's learn more about gene diversity and how we can keep it sustainable!

Biodiversity at the Gene Level

Have you ever wondered why there are different types of rice with different colors and shapes? Well, the key is biodiversity at the gene level. Genes are the smallest units of genetic material that determine the characteristics of living things.

Biodiversity at the gene level shows the existence of variations or differences in genes in similar living creatures. This diversity is quite easy to recognize by looking at the varied characteristics but has the same scientific name and morphological differences that are not too striking.

Several factors cause biodiversity at the gene level, such as mutation, natural selection, and interbreeding. The following are several examples of gene diversity in living creatures.

• Domestic cats (Felis domesticus) have different appearances from each other. There are varieties with white, black, two-striped, and three-striped fur.
• Roses (Rosa multiflora L.) have various colored petals, such as red, white, pink, and yellow. Even though it is one species, each rose can also have a different crown size.
• Rice (Oryza sativa) has different stem thickness, shape, and color. Even the texture and taste of the processed rice can be different.

Gene Diversity for Healthy Ecosystems

Biodiversity is not only about the number of types of living things but also the diversity of their genes. Each gene carries unique information that determines the traits and abilities of living things. These differences mean that each living creature has an important role in maintaining the balance of nature.

For example, bees help pollinate flowers, birds help control insect populations, and earthworms help fertilize the soil. When gene diversity is maintained, the ecosystem becomes healthier and more resistant to change.

Unfortunately, the biodiversity on our planet is currently under threat. Human activities such as illegal logging, environmental pollution, and poaching cause the loss of several species and gene diversity. We all have a responsibility to protect biodiversity on this Earth.

How to Maintain Gene Diversity

What can we do to maintain gene diversity? Here are some ways:

1. Ensuring Conservation of Nature

To preserve living creatures, of course, it starts with preserving the place where they live. We can contribute to actions to protect forests, oceans, and other ecosystems so that they remain safe places for various kinds of living creatures to live and reproduce.

2. Maintaining the Sustainability of Species

We can support the anti-poaching movement and avoid the trade in wild animals, as well as help with recovery programs for endangered species.

3. Reducing Pollution

We can start getting used to using public transportation, saving energy, and throwing away trash properly to reduce environmental pollution.

4. Using Environmentally Friendly Products

Currently, there are many choices of environmentally friendly products. Apart from the production process not damaging the environment, some products utilize sustainable resources.

5. Raising Awareness

Apart from direct action, we can also spread information about the importance of gene diversity and invite other people to help protect biodiversity.

By doing the small things above, we hope that gene diversity and biodiversity on Earth can be maintained. Remember, each gene is important and has its role in maintaining natural balance. Let's preserve it together!