1.1 What is Biodiversity?

Understanding biodiversity is required to appreciate the complexity and interconnectedness of life on Earth.

Biodiversity is often explored through 3 main levels:

1. Genetic Diversity

Genetic diversity is the variation in the genes of organisms. An organism’s genes control its traits (e.g. size, colour), so genetic diversity allows all organisms in a population to be unique. Genetic diversity is crucial to help populations adapt to changes in the environment, such as climate shifts or disease outbreaks. For example, in the event of a viral outbreak, a genetically diverse population of plants might have some individuals that are naturally resistant to the virus. These resistant plants will survive and may pass that trait onto their offspring, allowing the species as a whole to survive and adapt.

Genetic variations allow for the differences in the colours, sizes and patterns in this group of ladybugs.

2. Species Diversity

Species diversity includes the variety of species within a habitat or a region. Ecosystems with high species diversity are often healthier. A diverse forest ecosystem with numerous plant species can support a wide range of animal species, each contributing to the ecosystem’s overall health and productivity.

Species diversity also makes ecosystems more resilient. For instance, imagine a situation where a new invasive pest that kills pine trees arrives in an area. A forest that is primarily composed of pine trees is very susceptible. If most of the pine trees die, then there is little habitat left to support the animals in the area, resulting in many of the animals dying or leaving. In contrast, a diverse forest ecosystem with numerous tree species is more likely to survive the pest outbreak. The pine trees will still die, but there are enough other tree species in the forest to provide habitat to support the animal population, so the results of the pest outbreak aren’t nearly as harmful.

3. Ecosystem Diversity

Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems in a particular area. Ecosystems include the organisms and the abiotic (non-living) factors in a particular area. Ecosystems, such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, and oceans, each host a unique community of species and ecological processes.

As humans, we rely directly on these ecosystems to provide us with food, lumber, and even medicines. Healthy ecosystems also clean our water, filter our air and pollinate our crops (Moreland, 2024).  We use ecosystems for recreation, such as hiking, swimming, or camping. We even rely on them to help boost our mental health. Getting out in nature helps to reduce cortisol, improve stress management and regulate our nervous system.