Biodiversity Meaning

Biodiversity, short for biological diversity, refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth. It encompasses the diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. Biodiversity includes everything from tiny microbes to large mammals and from single plants to complex forests, reflecting the vast array of living organisms that interact within various habitats and ecological systems.

Unlike greenhouse gas emissions and plastic pollution, which primarily concern the outputs of industrial and human activities that negatively impact the climate and environments, biodiversity focuses on the health, richness, and functioning of natural biomes. Although greenhouse gases and plastics can severely affect biodiversity by altering habitats and introducing pollutants into ecosystems, biodiversity itself is a broader concept that measures the presence, health, and sustainability of life forms in their natural contexts.

Understanding biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystems that provide essential services such as air and water purification, climate regulation, and crop pollination, all of which are vital for sustaining life on Earth.