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The UK has a relatively low level of biodiversity at the
species level, at least for higher plants and larger animals,
and very few species are unique to the nation (endemic). However
the United Kingdom represents the northern and western extremes
of range for many species which are widespread in Europe,
and, because of this, genetic variation within species can
be particularly important.
The number of native vascular plant species in Britain is
thought to be about 1400 (New Atlas of British and Irish Flora,
Preston et al., 2002) whereas 3,030 native species have been
recorded for Switzerland, a country with only one sixth of
the land area of the UK. But while Britain has a low diversity
of vascular plants (1% of the global total), the proportion
of mosses and liverworts is much greater (7%) and for lichens,
greater still (10%).
Although less diverse than other countries in Europe, the
native fauna and flora of the UK still has special importance
in determining local character and providing the basis for
many traditional practices. From the Caledonian forests of
the Scottish Highlands to the fenlands of East Anglia and
the Royal parklands of London, each local area has its characteristic
biodiversity and dependent traditions.
The UK is also the home to a number of rare domesticated
breeds and varieties (agricultural biodiversity), such as
apples, poultry and cattle as well as many of the wild relatives
of widely cultivated species, such as the wild carrot (Daucus
carota), raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and gooseberry
(Ribes uva-crispa).
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