Difference Between Flora and Fauna

Flora and Fauna are two terms that are required to differentiate the living organisms (plants and animals) that are present in a particular ecosystem or geographical region. Almost 30% of the Earth is covered with forests and these forests are home to 80% of the world’s terrestrial animals. There are a total of 8.7 million species of flora and fauna in the world, and India ranks 10th in the richness of flora and fauna.

What are Flora and Fauna?

Flora is a wide variety of plants, ranging from simple single-celled organisms like algae to complex and towering trees found in the forest. Plants have a crucial role in sustaining life on our planet. By engaging in photosynthesis, they transform carbon dioxide and sunlight into oxygen and glucose, a process of immense significance for the survival of nearly all living beings.

Fauna is a wide range of animal life found on the earth. From microorganisms like bacteria to large mammals like elephants. Animals also serve a critical ecological role, as pollinators, predators, and prey within the food webs. They play a significant part in maintaining biodiversity.

Difference between Flora and Fauna

Flora comprises all the plant life while Fauna comprises animal life of various species. Flora is the main producer of the ecosystem while Fauna are the consumers. More Differences between Flora and Fauna on the basis of their study, lifestyle, mobility, habitant, functioning, and other aspects have been tabulated below.

Advantages of Flora and Fauna

Both the Flora and Fauna of a particular ecosystem play crucial roles in the natural world and provide numerous advantages. They are the most essential components of the natural environment, and their conservation and protection are crucial for maintaining a healthy planet.

Advantages of Flora

Flora which refers to the collection of plants has numerous advantages that are essential for the proper functioning of the ecosystem.

1. The flora helps in oxygen production with the help of photosynthesis, which is very important for the survival of aerobic organisms.
2. It also helps in food production, as many of the plants are the direct source of food for humans and animals.
3.  Help in providing Habitat and shelter to the fauna. Also helps in maintenance of the biodiversity.
4. Soil conservation, as the roots of the plants bind the soil reduces soil erosion.
5. Climate regulation, through the process of transpiration the plants release water vapors into the atmosphere which makes the atmosphere cooler.
6. The ecosystem benefits, the flora, and maintain and support various industries such as forestry, horticulture, and agriculture.

Advantages of Fauna

Fauna refers to the animals present in a particular region or habitat and has numerous advantages that contribute to the well functioning of the ecosystem.

1. The fauna represents a significant part of Earth’s biodiversity.
2. They help in the pollination and dispersal of seeds to support plant life.
3. Fauna (such as insect-eating birds, and predatory insects)helps in the regulation of the population of pests, that can harm the crops.
4. Nutrient cycling involves the decomposition of organic matter for making the soil more fertile.
5. They provide a source of food for predators helping to maintain the balance in an ecosystem.
6. It also plays a great role in maintaining the ecological balance as each animal species has its own function.

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