Biodiversity exists in the depths of the ocean and in the garden vegetable patch. The word refers to the amount of different life forms (animals, plants and micro-organisms) within one ecosystem.
Biodiversity exists in the depths of the ocean and in the garden vegetable patch. The word refers to the amount of different life forms (animals, plants and micro-organisms) within one ecosystem.
A world to discover
There are millions of species of visible organisms on earth and very many of them have yet to be discovered. The number of microbes is many times greater. Scientists estimate that there are over 100 million species of micro-organisms. Less than 1% of them have yet been scientifically recorded.
Variations at every level
Major differences in biodiversity can be observed in diverse places. Some regions are home to an enormous multitude of species. One such region is the Amazon rainforest, where one in ten of the earth’s known species can be found. Other places, such as the polar regions, have a dearth of species.
The variation is also enormous even on the species level. Two species of fungi can have more genetic differences than a human being and a fish. Even within species, however, there can be many differences. Take a look around. One person is dark-skinned with black hair and brown eyes, while another has light-coloured skin, blond hair and blue eyes.
The colour of your hair is genetic
There is huge diversity even within one species. The difference in genes means that one person has blond hair and blue eyes while the other has black hair and brown eyes. This genetic variation is very important for the survival of a species. Genetic diversity makes it possible for a species to evolve.