Biodiversity

Diverse ecosystems sustain the services that Earth’s people, animals, plants and other organisms rely on, creating an intimate link between biodiversity and sustainability. For example,  grasslands, which cover more than a quarter of Earth’s land, support the livelihoods of about 1–1.5 billion people and produce food like grains, meat and milk. Grassland plant diversity supports diverse grazers and insects, which provide food for people and other animals. Soil organisms maintain soil health, regulate grazing impacts and help store carbon in the soil. Biodiversity sustains food systems, cultural livelihoods and climate regulation, contributing to resilience and sustainability for human societies.

Expert: Elizabeth Borer, Regents Professor, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota Twin Cities

As an ecological geneticist, I think about biodiversity through the lens of genetic variation within species. Restoration often focuses on planting many individual seeds, but the long-term resilience of ecosystems depends on maintaining the evolutionary potential of populations. My work uses seed provenance trials, climate experiments and genomic tools to identify plant populations that can both survive future climates and maintain high genetic diversity. In practice, this means sourcing seeds from multiple, climate-adapted populations, designing restorations that promote natural reproduction and monitoring genetic change over time. Protecting biodiversity is not just conserving species today – it is safeguarding their capacity to adapt tomorrow. 

Expert: Julie Etterson, Director of IonE @ UMN-Duluth and Distinguished McKnight Professor, Swenson College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota Duluth
 

I love the recent initiatives to create “pocket prairies” in yards, next to mailboxes, in front of buildings – anywhere you can fit them. These little pieces of habitat are wonderful because even a square foot of land can provide important habitat for insects and many invertebrates. They are also highly visible – people see them as they pass your yard on a walk or drive by on an errand. This creates a positive feedback cycle where they are inspired to steward their own pocket prairie. As this initiative has grown in popularity, the impact we have on biodiversity and ecosystem services keeps growing exponentially.

Expert: Emilie Snell-Rood, Professor, Department Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota Twin Cities