What does the term biodiversity encompass?

The term biodiversity encompasses the variety of life forms on Earth, which includes not just the number of species present in a given area, but also the genetic diversity within those species and the diversity of ecosystems they form. This broader understanding highlights the complex interactions and interdependencies that sustain life.

Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem resilience, providing essential services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation. By recognizing the significance of all life forms, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, biodiversity aims to address various levels of biological organization, from individual organisms to populations and communities within their environments.

Focusing on options like just the number of species or ecological diversity does not capture the full scope of biodiversity. Similarly, genetic uniformity in organisms contradicts the essence of biodiversity, which relies on variation for adaptability and survival in changing environments.