What does biodiversity refer to?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms in a specific habitat or ecosystem. This encompasses the diversity of species, the genetic differences among individuals within those species, and the variety of ecosystems present in a given area. It is a fundamental concept in ecology that highlights the complex interplay of organisms and their environments, helping maintain the balance of ecosystems. High biodiversity contributes to resilience against environmental changes, promotes ecosystem services, and enhances the overall health of the planet.

While the other concepts are related to biological sciences, they do not capture the holistic essence of biodiversity. Natural selection is focused on the evolutionary process that leads to changes in species over time. The genetic makeup of an organism pertains specifically to an individual’s genes, lacking the broader scope of multiple organisms and ecosystems. The distribution of species addresses where organisms are found geographically but does not encompass the richness of life forms within a specific area. Therefore, the best representation of biodiversity is indeed its measurement of variety in life forms within ecosystems and habitats.