Question

What is biodiversity and why is it important to an ecosystem?

Short answer

• The number and variety of plants, animals and other organisms that exist in an ecosystem is known as biodiversity.
• It is a measure of the variety of organisms present in different ecosystems.
• Biodiversity has an intrinsic value and biodiversity performs a number of ecological services for humankind.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1

Biodiversity is the degree of variation of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome,or an entire planet.

Step 2

Importance

• Biodiversity is essential for stability of an ecosystem.
• Biodiversity serves as source of food and provides source material for new improved varieties.
• Various products of human use can be obtained from rich bioiversity, e.g., gums, resins, dyes, paper, fibres, etc.