Legend described the ‘Wil-o’-a-wisp’ as a bright flame appearing above the surface of marshes. Adding to its mystique was its temperance- it stayed as long as one did not approach it, and would otherwise vanish. Today, we know that ‘wil-o’-a-wisps’ result from spontaneous combustion of methane produced by methanogenic bacteria.

It is strange that the transience of such natural phenomena does not stop us from disturbing the balance that creates and sustains them. Fallout from urban expansion and population explosion resulted in encroachment of natural habitats, whether from mining projects, land reclamation, exhaustive agriculture, and improper waste disposal.

Organisms living in extreme conditions have adapted to their habitat, and every adaptation in these species is fine-tuned to warrant their existence. This brings up another point about biodiversity- the gene pool. Plants in particular niches possess genetic characteristics specific to that area: xerophytic (in tropical climates, plants shield excess sunlight), hydrophytic (in water, plants develop water-resistance), and halophytic (soils may have high salinity levels). Inheritance of these is linear, but by genetic engineering, they are isolated and introduced into organisms indigenous to other habitats. The majority of biodiversity hotspots therefore comprise a massive gene bank storing characters for flood-resistance, drought-resistance, salinity-resistance, etc.

Scientists have modelled germplasms of genetically modified crops after these to counter effects of severe floods or over-irrigation. The loss of habitats, however, would render such traits obsolete.

Mangrove trees in the Sunderbans act as a mini-ecosystem, as small fish migrate to them during breeding seasons to lay their eggs within the safe confines of the roots. In the absence of these trees, not only are viable genes lost, but so is the ability of aquatic species to safely propagate progeny. The extinction of any one species, thus leads to a rapid domino effect, wherein several other seemingly unrelated organisms are eradicated.

In conclusion, the variety of lifeforms on Earth are gifts of nature’s infinite bounty. They still hold many secrets, and it is unnerving to think that- like the ‘wil-o’-a-wisp’- they may vanish far before we have a chance to fully explore and discover the full extent of their purpose and wondrous glory.

.    .    .