Biological diversity, or biodiversity, is a term used to describe the great variety of life on Earth. In other words, plants, animals and micro-organisms, their genes, and the ecosystems that living organisms inhabit, are all facets of biodiversity.
Biological diversity is essential to human welfare.
Food, medicines, clothes and tools are just some of the products we obtain from wild and domesticated components of biodiversity. In addition, ecosystems resulting from the interactions between species provide a range of essential services and functions. By absorbing huge volumes of atmospheric carbon dioxide, for example, forests help regulate global climate and slow the effects of global warming. Wetlands such as lakes and marshes regulate the flow of water and help prevent flooding. Without these goods and services, our planet could not support human life.