Biodiversity is the variability of life in all its forms, levels, and combinations. It encompasses the variety within species (genetic diversity), between species (species diversity), and of ecosystems (ecosystem diversity), and it appears across genetic, species, and ecological dimensions in a given place or across the planet.
Core facets of biodiversity
- Genetic diversity: the genetic variation within a species, which provides raw material for adaptation and resilience.
- Species diversity: the variety and abundance of species in a region. Species richness (the count of species) is a common measure.
- Ecosystem diversity: the range of different ecological communities (forests, wetlands, coral reefs, etc.) and the processes that connect them.
Why biodiversity matters
- It underpins ecosystem services essential to life and human well-being, including food, clean water, climate regulation, pollination, and cultural and recreational values.
- High biodiversity generally supports greater ecosystem stability and resilience to environmental change.
How biodiversity is defined in context
- A widely accepted framing is the totality of genes, species, and ecosystems within a region, though definitions vary slightly across organizations and disciplines.
- International frameworks, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, emphasize these components and the need to conserve them.
If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific region or provide a concise definition from reputable sources with citations.
