Biodiversity

Science

Definition

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life at all levels of organization, including genetic diversity within species, species diversity within ecosystems, and ecosystem diversity across a landscape. Greater biodiversity generally makes ecosystems more resilient and productive.

Examples

  • Tropical rainforests have the highest terrestrial biodiversity, housing over 50% of all known species on just 6% of Earth's land
  • Coral reefs are called the 'rainforests of the sea' because of their extraordinary marine biodiversity
  • The loss of pollinator species threatens food crop biodiversity and agricultural productivity worldwide

Related Terms

Species diversity Ecosystem services Invasive species Adaptation

Study This Concept

Practice biodiversity with free review games in these units:

AP Biology Unit 8: Ecology