An area containing a variety of plants and animals is referred to as having biodiversity, which encompasses the diversity of species, genetic variations, and ecosystems. This variety is essential for maintaining ecosystem health, balance, and functioning, as it supports complex ecological interactions such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and predator-prey relationships. Biodiversity is categorized into three main types:
- Species Diversity: The variety of different species of plants, animals, insects, fungi, and microorganisms living together in an ecosystem.
- Genetic Diversity: The genetic variation within species, enabling adaptation and survival in changing environments.
- Ecosystem Diversity: The variety of different habitats and ecosystems (such as forests, grasslands, deserts, coral reefs) that support unique communities of plants and animals.
Such diversity not only sustains environmental stability but also provides critical ecosystem services to humans, including food, medicine, clean air and water, and climate regulation. For example, forests harbor most terrestrial biodiversity, supporting many species and complex ecological processes.
