Biodiversity

Definition of Biodiversity

• Biodiversity = variety of all different species of organisms on Earth.

• Can also refer to the variety within a single ecosystem (e.g., Amazon rainforest).

Importance of Biodiversity

• Species depend on each other for food and for maintaining the environment.

  • Example: decomposers recycle nutrients by breaking down dead organisms.

• High biodiversity = more stable ecosystem.

  • Less dependent on one species.

  • If one population falls, it is less likely to destabilise the whole ecosystem.

Human Impact – Deforestation

• Tropical forests = areas with very high biodiversity.

• Deforestation: large-scale destruction of forests.

• Reasons for deforestation:

  • To clear land for rice fields.

  • For cattle grazing.

  • To grow crops for biofuels.

✅ Key Points / Summary

• Biodiversity = variety of species in the world or an ecosystem.

• High biodiversity → stable ecosystems.

• Humans reduce biodiversity through activities such as deforestation.

• Deforestation occurs mainly for agriculture (rice, cattle, biofuels).