biodiversity

• All the different kinds of life you'll find in one area—the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world.
• Biodiversity changes over time as extinction occurs and new species evolve.
• Three levels of diversity

  • Species
  • Genetic
  • Ecosystem
• Ecosystem


  A big, interconnected community where living things (plants, animals, and microbes) and non-living things (like soil, water, and sunlight) all work together. It's where plants and animals live, grow, and interact with each other and their environment.
• Ecosystem


  • A pond is an ecosystem where you'll find fish swimming, plants growing, and insects buzzing around, all relying on each other and the water to survive.
• Species


  A group of living organisms that are similar to each other and can reproduce offspring that are also able to reproduce.
• Species


  • Dogs belong to the species Canis lupus familiaris, and all domestic dogs can mate and produce puppies that can grow up to reproduce as well.
• Species


  • Cats belong to the species Felis Catus, Domestic cats are believed to have originated from wildcat ancestors and have been domesticated for thousands of years.
• Biodiversity hotspots


  Regions that contain a high level of species diversity, many endemic species (species not found anywhere else in the world) and a significant number of threatened or endangered species.
• Genetic diversity


  The variety of genes within a single species. It's like having different types of building blocks that make up a species.
• Species diversity


  The variety of different types of organisms, or species, in a particular area. The more species there are in an area, the richer its biodiversity.
• Endemic


  A species that is uniquely found in one part of the world, and that part only. These types of animals are most commonly found in more isolated parts of the globe, like islands, but they can be found in other places too.
• Ecosystem diversity


  The variety of different ecosystems, or habitats, in a larger region. Ecosystems can include forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts, and oceans, each with its own mix of species and environmental conditions.
• Biodiversity is the variety of species and ecosystems on Earth.
• Example of high biodiversity


  • A pond with many different kinds of fish, frogs, and plants.
• Biodiversity is important because it provides humans with resources such as food, medicine, and clean air and water.
• Levels of biodiversity


  • Genetic diversity
  • Species diversity
  • Ecosystem diversity
• Species diversity


  The variety of different species in a given area.
• Biodiversity hotspots


  Areas with high levels of species richness and endemism.
• Endemic species


  Species that are found only in one specific habitat.
• Threats to biodiversity


  • Habitat restoration
  • Conservation efforts
  • Climate change
  • Captive breeding programs
• The loss of biodiversity can result in decreased ecosystem services.
• Genetic diversity


  The variety of genes present within a population or species.