Defining biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety of organisms in an area.

Levels of biodiversity:

• Habitat diversity - The number of habitats.
• Species diversity - The number of species and the number of individuals in each species.
• Genetic diversity - The variation in alleles within a population of a species.

High genetic biodiversity allows for better adaptation to a changing environment and resistance to disease.

Key terms related to biodiversity:

• Species - A group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
• Habitat - The place where a species lives within an ecosystem.

Species richness and species evenness

Species richness and species evenness are measures of biodiversity.

Species richness:

• The total number of different species in a habitat.
• It is quantified by taking random samples and counting the species present.
• A higher species richness indicates greater diversity.

Species evenness:

• A comparison of the numbers of individuals of each species in a community.
• It is measured by taking samples and counting individuals of each species.
• More even abundances mean higher species evenness and diversity.