Biodiversity
Definition
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth at all levels, from genes to ecosystems. It includes species diversity (number and variety of species), genetic diversity (variation within species), and ecosystem diversity (variety of habitats). Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem stability and human welfare.
Key Points for NEET
- 1Three levels: genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity
- 2Measured using alpha, beta, and gamma diversity
- 3Biodiversity hotspots have high endemism
- 4Threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and climate change
- 5India is one of 17 megadiverse countries
Example
The Western Ghats with over 7,400 species of flowering plants
Asked in NEET
Related Terms
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More Ecology Definitions
Ecosystem
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (biotic factors) interacting with each other and their physical environment (abiotic factors) as a system. It includes energy flow through trophic levels and nutrient cycling. Ecosystems can range from a small pond to an entire forest or ocean.
Nitrogen Fixation
Nitrogen fixation is the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃) or other usable nitrogen compounds. This can occur biologically (by bacteria like Rhizobium) or abiotically (lightning, industrial processes). It is essential for making nitrogen available to plants.