Levels of Biodiversity

Study Notes

Biodiversity refers to the variety of living things on Earth, and it can be found at different levels: within species, among species, and among communities and habitats.

Refers to the variety within a single species, such as different coat colors, sizes, and genetic traits in a group of tigers.
Allows individuals to adapt to changes in their environment, resist diseases, and survive in different environments.

Refers to the variety of different species living together in an ecosystem, such as oak trees, squirrels, birds, insects, and fungi in a forest.
Ensures ecosystem stability and balance, providing a safety net with different options to tackle challenges and adapt to changing conditions.

Refers to the variety of different ecosystems, such as coral reefs, rainforests, grasslands, and wetlands, each with its own set of plants, animals, and environmental conditions.
Ensures the existence of different habitats, providing clean air, pure water, and fertile soil, as well as medicines, materials, and cultural values.

Genetic Adaptability: Biodiversity within a species allows individuals to adapt to changes in their surroundings.
Disease Resistance: Biodiversity helps protect species from diseases by providing a range of traits, including resistance or immunity to certain diseases.
Reproductive Success: Biodiversity ensures healthy offspring by providing options for suitable mates, reducing the chance of inbreeding.
Ecosystem Stability: Biodiversity within and among species ensures ecosystem stability and balance.

Biodiversity within species helps them adapt to changes in the environment, increasing the chances of survival.

Enhances the resilience of Indigenous farming systems by reducing vulnerability to pests, diseases, and extreme weather events.
Supports Indigenous farmers' knowledge and cultural heritage, preserving cultural traditions and practices.

Biodiversity loss threatens ecosystems and the plants and animals that rely on them, having severe consequences for agriculture and food production.
Preserving biodiversity requires sustainable farming practices, conservation of natural habitats, and responsible use of resources.

All living things are connected to their environment and have specific places where they live and find what they need to survive.
Interrelationships between species sustain biodiversity, with trophic levels, food chains, and food webs showing how energy and nutrients flow through ecosystems.

Biodiversity loss affects humans directly, causing economic losses and declining quality of life in communities that depend on natural resources.
Individuals can make a difference by reducing their carbon footprint, supporting conservation efforts, and spreading awareness about climate change and biodiversity loss.