NPR just published an article with pictures taken in South Africa, Costa Rica, and an Iowa cornfield.  The results are shocking: Hundreds of plant, animal, and insect species within a one square meter area of the grass and treetops- 

The cornfield?  Eight.  This is by far one of the most graphic depictions of the effect of monoculture yet produced.

If the concept alone doesn't bother you, think about this: What would happen if a fungus, a blight, some sort of infection, were to wipe out the corn?  What would be left?  Nothing but barren soil.  This is something that should not only frighten anyone, but is yet another reason why places like ASP are so important. 

Perhaps we should do our own square meter experiment and see how much biodiversity we have here!