North Babylon

The average human can accurately assess and judge the level of biological diversity in a natural setting. Findings from the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research reflects on how visual and auditory cues are remarkable tools that most people maintain. John Jaeger, North Babylon Independent Environmental Researcher, discusses:

Did you know that the greatest tools of all for assessing the biodiversity of a natural setting are common among most people? According to recent scientific research published in the British Ecological Society journal, people’s intuitive perception of biodiversity is remarkably accurate through visual and audio cues. Without any formal education or even reference material, the average person can assess just how biodiverse an area is — even if the technical knowledge is not something stored within their repertoire.

The information from this study has been pulled from a study conducted with the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDIV) in collaboration with the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) and the Friedrich Schiller University Jena. All participants in the study lacked structured ecological training. Each participant was presented with images and audio recordings of forest patches throughout Germany, Belgium and Poland. They were asked both simple and complex questions about each natural habitat: including bird species richness, variety of tree species, structures and more. The responses aligned with findings from formal researchers in biodiversity and biological conservation.

Bees play a crucial role in the environment. As pollinators, these winged insects ensure a balance within our ecosystem by promoting reproduction of food crops and other plants. John Jaeger, North Babylon Independent Researcher, shares some of the many benefits of bees:

John Jaeger North Babylon Bee Pollination

Pollination = Food Security

Bees are the best pollinators we know! Seriously: bee-powered pollination contributes to roughly 35% of global crop production, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. Their impact as pollinators is felt not only by humans, but by wildlife as well. Bees not only pollinate crops, but also wild plants, which many wildlife rely on for sustenance and survival.

Bees Prevent Soil Erosion

Bees are essential to people, wildlife and the planet. By pollinating plants, bees contribute to carbon sequestration. This means plants are able to grow stronger by soaking up all of the carbon dioxide that bees are able to disperse. This in turn helps to prevent soil erosion through the support of plant root systems as the roots bind to the soil.

John Jaeger originally launched a recreational study into the impact of bees on the environment after working as a Research Mentor on a Soil Invertebrates Research Project facilitated by DNA Barcoding 101: a STEM outreach program.

Bee Positive

When you see a bee: remember to be positive! These magnificent little winged insects supply our environment with the lifeblood necessary to balance our ecosystem. John Jaeger, North Babylon Independent Researcher, has studied the impact of bees on the environment, in a recreational setting. He hopes to continue this research project on a broader scale in the future.

Human Vision and Hearing: the Natural Biodiversity Receptors

British Ecological Society: Perceived Biodiversity

iDIV, UFZ, Friedrich Schiller Research Collaboration

Bee Positive: the Crucial Role of Pollinators in the Environment

Bees play a crucial role in the environment. As pollinators, these winged insects ensure a balance within our ecosystem by promoting reproduction of food crops and other plants. John Jaeger, North Babylon Independent Researcher, shares some of the many benefits of bees:

Pollination = Food Security

Bees Prevent Soil Erosion

Bee Positive