Biodiversity
The variety of different living things in an area. A high biodiversity ecosystem is more stable.
Last updated
Analogy
A team with many different skills copes better when one player is missing.
In practice
A rainforest has far more species than a field of one crop.
Practice
Flashcards
- What is biodiversity?The variety of living things in an area.
Interview questions
- Discuss ways to protect biodiversity.
- Protect habitats in reserves
- Captive breeding and seed banks
- Laws and quotas on hunting and fishing
- Reduce pollution and recycle to cut waste
Questions people ask
Why does biodiversity matter?
Many species depend on each other, so losing one can affect many others. Diverse ecosystems are more stable and recover better from disease or change. People also rely on biodiversity for food, medicines, clean water and pollination of crops, and many find nature valuable for its own sake.
How can biodiversity be measured?
Scientists count the number of different species in an area using methods such as quadrats for plants and traps or nets for animals. They compare the numbers between places or over time. A higher count of species, with each well represented, means higher biodiversity.