Biodiversity, short for biological diversity, refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth. It encompasses the different kinds of living organisms-including animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms like bacteria- and their genetic differences, species diversity, and the ecosystems they form and inhabit
. More specifically, biodiversity includes:
- Genetic diversity: The variation in genes within a species, which enables adaptation and survival.
- Species diversity: The variety of different species in an area.
- Ecological diversity: The diversity of ecosystems and the interactions among organisms within them
Biodiversity is fundamental to ecosystem health and stability, supporting ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling, climate regulation, and food provision. It also has economic, cultural, and ethical importance, providing resources for medicine, agriculture, and tourism, and sustaining the natural balance necessary for life
. In summary, biodiversity is the extraordinary variety of life at all levels- from genes to ecosystems-that sustains life on Earth and underpins human well- being
