Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the variety and variability of life on Earth. It includes the different plants, animals and microorganisms, the genetic variation between them, and the varied ecosystems they live in. Biodiversity is essential for life on Earth, providing resources in the form of food and fuel, and services such as climate regulation, water storage and flood control. It also provides cultural and aesthetic benefits. The loss of biodiversity is a global issue, caused by human activities such as deforestation, overfishing and the introduction of invasive species. Conservation efforts such as habitat protection and species management are essential to help maintain biodiversity around the world.