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biodiversity

by-oh-dih-VER-sih-tee /ˌbaɪ.oʊ.daɪˈvɜːr.sə.ti/

nounB2IELTSTOEFLSAT

scientificenvironmental

the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.

In farming, high biodiversity usually means a healthier, more pest-resistant ecosystem.

The story behind the word. A relatively modern portmanteau coined in the 1980s, combining the Greek 'bios' (life) and the Latin 'diversitas' (variety). It was created to give a scientific name to the richness of the natural world.

Word relationships

variety: A much simpler, less scientific term for having different types of things.
biological diversity: The full, non-contracted version of the same term.

monoculture: The existence of only one species in an area.
uniformity: The state of being the same throughout, lacking variety.

Commonly confused with

ecology: Ecology is the study of relationships; biodiversity is the measure of variety within that system.

Word family

biodiverse (adjective): containing a wide variety of life

Collocations

protect biodiversity
loss of biodiversity
rich biodiversity

Example sentences

"Biodiversity is the variety of life, in all its forms, levels and combinations." Scientific definition
"The farmer planted hedgerows to encourage biodiversity, providing homes for bees and birds." Farm management

Memory hook

'Bio' (life) + 'Diversity' (variety) = The variety of life. Life's variety.

When not to use

Avoid using it when you just mean 'lots of plants'; it specifically refers to the variety of species.

Fun facts

The term was first used in a 1986 conference and has since become one of the most important terms in conservation biology.