Loss of Biodiversity

Definition

Loss of biodiversity refers to the decline or extinction of species and the reduction in genetic diversity within a particular ecosystem. It is caused by various factors such as habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation.

Analogy

Imagine a library with thousands of different books representing different species. Now imagine someone coming in and removing half of those books. The loss of biodiversity is like losing those unique books, each containing valuable information and contributing to the overall richness and balance of the library.

Related terms

Habitat Destruction: This term refers to the process where natural habitats are damaged or destroyed, leading to a loss of biodiversity.

Extinction: Extinction occurs when a species completely disappears from the Earth, resulting in a permanent loss of biodiversity.

Invasive Species: Invasive species are non-native organisms that disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources, causing harm to biodiversity.