4.1 - What is biodiversity and why is it important?

Question 1

Biological Diversity/Biodiversity

Answer 1

The variety of the earth’s species, the genes they contain, the ecosystems in which they live, and the ecosystem processes such as energy flow and nutrient cycling that sustain all life.

Question 2

Functional Diversity

Answer 2

The biological and chemical processes such as energy flow and matter recycling needed for the survival of species, communities, and ecosystems.

Question 3

Ecological Diversity

Answer 3

The variety of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems found in an area or on the earth.

Question 3

Genetic Diversity

Answer 3

The variety of genetic material within a species or a population.

Question 4

Species Diversity

Answer 4

The number and abundance of species present in different communities

Question 5

Natural capital

Answer 5

the major components of the earth’s biodiversity —one of the earth’s most important renewable resources.