1. Definition
Biodiversity (short for biological diversity) refers to the variety of all life forms on Earth — from genes and species to entire ecosystems. It is commonly understood on three levels:
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Genetic diversity: Variation of genes within a species (e.g., different breeds of dogs or rice varieties).
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Species diversity: Variety of species within a region or ecosystem.
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Ecosystem diversity: Diversity of ecosystems (e.g., forests, oceans, wetlands, grasslands).
2. Importance of Biodiversity
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Ecological stability: Diverse ecosystems are more resilient to change and disturbances.
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Food security: Many plant and animal species are vital sources of food.
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Medicinal resources: A significant portion of modern medicine comes from plants and microorganisms.
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Climate regulation: Forests and oceans absorb carbon and help regulate the Earth's climate.
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Cultural & aesthetic value: Nature supports spiritual, cultural, and recreational activities for humans.
3. Threats to Biodiversity
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Deforestation and habitat loss
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Pollution (air, water, soil)
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Climate change
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Overhunting and overfishing
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Invasive species (non-native organisms that disrupt ecosystems)
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Urbanization and industrial expansion
4. Conservation Strategies
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Protected areas: National parks, nature reserves, biosphere zones
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Legislation & international agreements:
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Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
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CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)
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IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
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Ecological restoration: Reforesting, rewilding, and rehabilitating degraded ecosystems
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Sustainable practices: Eco-friendly farming, forestry, and fishing
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Environmental education & awareness
5. Interesting Facts
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There are estimated to be around 8.7 million species on Earth, but only a fraction have been discovered and described.
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Biodiversity hotspots are regions with exceptionally high levels of species richness and endemism (e.g., Amazon Rainforest, Madagascar, Coral Triangle).
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Loss of biodiversity can lead to ecosystem collapse, food insecurity, and loss of potential medical discoveries.