Summary
The variety of life at the level of genes, species and ecosystems.
In depth
Genetic diversity gives adaptability; species diversity gives community richness; ecosystem diversity gives stability. Biodiversity provides food, medicine and services. The term was popularised by E.O. Wilson in the 1980s.
Biodiversity is measured at several levels. It is unevenly distributed. Loss reduces ecosystem services.
Remember: genetic, species and ecosystem diversity are all important.
Biodiversity, short for biological diversity, includes genetic diversity within species, species diversity (richness and evenness) and ecosystem diversity. About 2 million species have been described, and estimates of the total range from 8 to 10 million or more, with most insects, fungi and microbes undiscovered.
It provides ecosystem services such as food, pollination, water purification, climate regulation, medicines and cultural value, and diverse systems are often more stable. It is unevenly distributed, being highest in tropical forests and coral reefs. The rate of loss is estimated at 100 to 1,000 times the natural background.
Example: a tropical rainforest tree may host hundreds of beetle species.
Frequently asked questions
What is Biodiversity?
The variety of life at the level of genes, species and ecosystems.
Which area of biology covers Biodiversity, and how advanced is it?
Biodiversity is one of the 52 topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Ecosystem Diversity, Taxonomy, Conservation Biology.
Why does Biodiversity matter?
Losing species weakens ecosystems that people depend on.
Can you give an example of Biodiversity?
Coral reefs cover less than 1 percent of the sea floor but host about 25 percent of marine species.
What should I learn before Biodiversity?
Biodiversity is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity that pair well with it include Taxonomy, Binomial Nomenclature, Taxonomic Hierarchy.
What topics are related to Biodiversity?
The closest topics to Biodiversity are Ecosystem Diversity, Taxonomy, Conservation Biology, Latitudinal Diversity Gradient. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Biodiversity?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Biodiversity. To practise the whole of Taxonomy & Biodiversity, use the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz.
How is Biodiversity different from Ecosystem Diversity?
Biodiversity: The variety of life at the level of genes, species and ecosystems. Ecosystem Diversity: The variety of habitats, communities and ecological processes in a region. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Biodiversity step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Ecosystem Diversity and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.