biodiversity
by-oh-dy-VER-sih-tee
/ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːrsəti/
The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat, a high level of which is usually considered to be important and desirable.
It isn't just about the number of species, but also the genetic variety within species and the variety of ecosystems.
The story behind the word. A relatively modern word, coined in 1985 as a contraction of 'biological diversity' during a planning meeting for a conference on the subject. It quickly became a buzzword for the health of our planet.
Word relationships
- biological diversity: This is simply the uncontracted form of the word.
- monoculture: Monoculture is the cultivation of a single crop in a given area, the opposite of a biodiverse system.
Commonly confused with
- ecology: Ecology is the study of relationships; biodiversity is the measure of variety within those relationships.
Word family
- diverse (adjective): Showing a great deal of variety.
Collocations
- preserve biodiversity
- loss of biodiversity
- rich biodiversity
Example sentences
- "Biodiversity is the totality of all inherited variation in the life forms of Earth." A definition from a leading biologist. (E.O. Wilson.)
Memory hook
Bio (Life) + Diversity (Variety). It's the 'variety of life'. Biodiversity = Life's Variety.
When not to use
Avoid using it when you just mean 'lots of plants'; it specifically refers to the variety and interconnectedness of life.
Fun facts
- A single teaspoon of healthy soil can contain more living organisms than there are people on Earth, representing incredible biodiversity.
Also appears in
- Technology → Ecology & Climate Science
- Nature → Ecology & Ecosystems
- Nature → Environmental Conservation
- Nature → Biodiversity & Species Conservation
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → Deforestation & Habitat Loss
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → Sustainable Agriculture & Farming
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → Marine Ecology
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → Eco-Tourism & Travel
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