University of Central Florida (UCF) BOT4850 Medical Botany Practice Exam 1

The potential harm from the overharvesting of medicinal plants is loss of biodiversity. When medicinal plants are harvested at unsustainable rates, it can lead to a decrease in the population of those species. This affects not only the plants themselves but also the ecosystems that depend on them. Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecological balance, as various species contribute to the resilience and functioning of habitats. Overharvesting can disrupt these relationships, potentially leading to the extinction of certain plant species and negatively impacting the animals and other organisms that rely on them for food and habitat.

In contrast, increased biodiversity, improved ecosystem balance, and greater access to natural remedies do not result from overharvesting; instead, they are generally associated with sustainable practices that allow ecosystems to thrive. Overharvesting fundamentally undermines the health and stability of ecosystems, making the loss of biodiversity the most pertinent concern in this context.