Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth at all its levels — from genes and species to ecosystems — and the ecological processes that support this variety. It is typically measured at three levels: genetic diversity (variation within species), species diversity (number and abundance of species in an area), and ecosystem diversity (variety of habitats, communities, and ecological processes). High biodiversity generally confers ecosystem stability, resilience to disturbance, and a wider range of ecosystem services such as food, medicine, and clean water for human societies.
Three Levels of Biodiversity
| Level | Definition | Measurement Method | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genetic Diversity | Variation in DNA within a species | Allele frequency, gene sequencing | Coat colour variants in wolves |
| Species Diversity | Number and abundance of species in an area | Species richness, Shannon Index | 500 plant species in a rainforest plot |
| Ecosystem Diversity | Variety of habitats and communities | Habitat mapping, landscape metrics | Wetlands, forests, grasslands in a region |
| Functional Diversity | Range of ecological roles/traits | Functional trait analysis | Pollinators, predators, decomposers |
| Phylogenetic Diversity | Evolutionary distinctiveness | Evolutionary distance (branch length) | Coelacanth as an ancient lineage |
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Related Terms
Keystone Species
A keystone species is an organism that has a disproportionately large effect on its ecosystem relative to its abundance or biomass; if removed, the ecosystem would change dramatically or collapse entirely. The concept was introduced by ecologist Robert T. Paine in 1969 following his experiments showing that removing sea stars (Pisaster ochraceus) from intertidal communities caused mussels to dominate and biodiversity to plummet. Keystone species can be predators, ecosystem engineers, or mutualists, and their identification is critical for conservation and wildlife management.
Invasive Species
An invasive species is a non-native (exotic or alien) organism introduced — intentionally or accidentally — to a new environment outside its natural range, where it spreads rapidly and causes ecological, economic, or health damage. Invasive species are one of the leading causes of global biodiversity loss, often outcompeting native species for resources, introducing novel diseases, altering food webs, and transforming physical habitats. Their success in new environments often stems from the absence of natural predators, parasites, or competitors that regulate their populations in their native range.
Ecological Succession
Ecological succession is the process of change in the species composition of an ecological community over time, following a disturbance or the formation of a new habitat. Primary succession occurs on bare, previously uncolonised substrate (e.g., newly formed volcanic rock), beginning with pioneer species such as lichens and mosses that gradually modify the environment for subsequent species. Secondary succession occurs in areas where a community has been disturbed but soil remains (e.g., after a forest fire), proceeding more rapidly to a stable climax community because soil and seed banks persist.
A portmanteau of "biological diversity". The term was popularised by Walter G. Rosen in 1985 and later championed by E.O. Wilson, who edited the landmark 1988 volume "Biodiversity." Biological from Greek bios ("life") + logos ("study"); diversity from Latin diversitas ("difference, variety").