Biological Diversity in AP Environmental Science

Definition

Biological diversity, also known as biodiversity, refers to the variety of life forms found in an ecosystem or on Earth as a whole. It encompasses genetic diversity within species, species diversity within communities, and ecosystem diversity across landscapes.

Related terms

Species Richness: Species richness is a measure that quantifies how many different species are present in a given area or community.

Endangered Species:

Endangered species are those that face a high risk of extinction in the near future if their populations continue to decline.

Ecosystem Services:

Ecosystem services are benefits provided by ecosystems that contribute to human well-being. These include things like clean air and water, pollination of crops by insects, and regulation of climate.