The article discusses the impact of biodiversity loss on the emergence and transmission of infectious diseases. It highlights that while biodiversity loss can increase disease transmission in some cases, areas with naturally high biodiversity may serve as sources of new pathogens. The authors review evidence from various ecological systems, including plants, animals, and humans, to support their findings. They argue that preserving intact ecosystems and their endemic biodiversity should generally reduce the prevalence of infectious diseases. The article also explores the dual role of biodiversity in disease transmission, where high biodiversity can both increase and decrease disease transmission depending on the specific context. Additionally, it examines the effects of biodiversity loss on pathogen transmission between species, the role of species diversity versus species identity, and the impact of microbial diversity within hosts on disease transmission. The authors conclude by emphasizing the importance of managing biodiversity to mitigate the risks of infectious diseases and the need for further research to understand the complex interactions between biodiversity, disease transmission, and human well-being.The article discusses the impact of biodiversity loss on the emergence and transmission of infectious diseases. It highlights that while biodiversity loss can increase disease transmission in some cases, areas with naturally high biodiversity may serve as sources of new pathogens. The authors review evidence from various ecological systems, including plants, animals, and humans, to support their findings. They argue that preserving intact ecosystems and their endemic biodiversity should generally reduce the prevalence of infectious diseases. The article also explores the dual role of biodiversity in disease transmission, where high biodiversity can both increase and decrease disease transmission depending on the specific context. Additionally, it examines the effects of biodiversity loss on pathogen transmission between species, the role of species diversity versus species identity, and the impact of microbial diversity within hosts on disease transmission. The authors conclude by emphasizing the importance of managing biodiversity to mitigate the risks of infectious diseases and the need for further research to understand the complex interactions between biodiversity, disease transmission, and human well-being.