Thursday, November 5, 2009

biodiversity

— biodiversity |ˌbīōdiˈvərsitē| noun.
The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem. In other words, biodiversity is simply the web of life on earth, comprising its hugely diverse range of species, genes and ecosystems. The balance of ecosystems is vital to a healthy, functioning environment. Biodiversity also plays a critical role in supporting the basic services upon which human life depends. For example, biodiversity provides food, timber, fuel and fibre for clothing.