Biodiversity
/by-oh-dye-VER-sih-tee/🦋 Ecology● Basic
Also known as: biological diversity
Biodiversity encompasses the full spectrum of biological variation at three levels: genetic diversity within species, species diversity within communities, and ecosystem diversity across landscapes. Higher biodiversity generally indicates healthier, more resilient ecosystems. In gardens and urban forests, promoting biodiversity through diverse plantings supports pollinators, beneficial insects, birds, and soil organisms.
Etymology
From Greek bios (life) + Latin diversitas (variety)
Example
“The pollinator garden was designed to maximize biodiversity with 30 native species supporting different insect guilds.”