- Published: September 15, 2022
- Updated: September 15, 2022
- University / College: The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
- Level: Undergraduate
- Language: English
- Downloads: 10
Affiliation Poll – a species value Biodiversity is all about life variations in an ecosystem. Ecosystem is a complex relationship between organic and inorganic elements. Every element has a role to play towards the sustainability of the ecosystem. In this case, the relationship between kudzu and goats will form the basis of the discussion. Kudzu belongs to a Pueraria genus in pea family of Fabaceae and Faboideae subfamily. It is a climbing plant found in Asia and Pacific Islands.
Kudzu traps light energy for photosynthesis therefore is a producer. Goats feed on it to obtain food. Kudzu also prevents soil erosion hence conserve soil in an ecosystem. Being a legume, it enriches the soil with nitrogen. In the other hand, goats after feeding on the Kudzu, man and other carnivores eat them (Soberón 182).
Kudzu and goats has been used as food, Kudzu in particular is used as food and beverage. Its roots is rich in starch that is used traditionally as food ingredients in the larger region of Eastern Asia, while in Vietnam, its starch mixture with pomelo oil is used as beverage. Furthermore, the starch is a thickener for sauces. Its flower is useful in making of traditional jelly that treats skin diseases. Additionally, its powder is used in Japan as herbal tea (Soberón 183-185).
Kudzu has isoflavones like pueranin and daidzein that are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents. Consequently, Kudzu can treat migraine, headache, allergies, and diarrhea. Kudzu and goats are economically viable; Kudzu fibers can be used in basketry, clothing, and paper industry. In addition, it is used in making beauty soaps and lotions. Its fibers can be used in manufacturing of cellulosic ethanol (Soberón 186). In the other hand, goats can be sold to provide an income. In terms of bioethics aspect of Kudzu, there are controversies that it is afore mention medical values are baseless because clinical trials have not been successful.
Work cited
Soberón, Jorge. ” What Is Biodiversity?” The Quarterly Review of Biology 84. 2 (2009): 181-186.