Biodiversity provides significant goods and services that benefit humanity. Genetic diversity in crops and other species is critical for adapting to changing conditions. Many foods, medicines, fibers and industrial products come directly from biodiversity. Ecosystem services like water purification and flood control are also dependent on biodiversity. Relatively few plant and animal species provide most food globally, though many local species could be developed further. Wild systems still provide substantial food, fuel and fiber. Natural products from biodiversity have historically been important in medicine and continue to be so today. Biotechnology relies on biodiversity as its raw material for developing new products. Microorganisms also play roles in bioremediation and environmental monitoring. Higher species diversity in ecosystems tends to