Question

What are the levels of biodiversity, and how are they valuable?

Answer 1

Biodiversity is defined as the variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part. Biodiversity is usually explored at three levels - genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity.

genetic diversity. Genetic diversity is the variety of genes within a species. Genes are the basic units of all life on Earth. They are responsible for both the similarities and the differences between organisms. To conserve genetic diversity, different populations of a species must be conserved.

species diversity. Species diversity is the variety of species within a habitat or a region. In Australia, more than 80% of plant and animal species are endemic, which means that they only occur naturally in Australia.

ecosystem diversity. Ecosystem is define as a community of organisms and their physical environment interacting together. Ecosystem diversity is the variety of ecosystems in a given place. The best way to conserve biodiversity is to save habitats and ecosystems rather than trying to save a single species.