What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity is the extraordinary variety of living creatures and ecological communities growing and interacting with each other all over the world. It is the richness and complexity of species and ecosystems throughout the planet – continually acquiring and honing the adaptations necessary for survival under constantly changing conditions.

Earth is home to an estimated 10 to 20 million species, but only a fraction are known and scientifically classified. The interdependence among organisms and their environments creates and sustains the conditions needed for survival by all living creatures.

Biodiversity is disappearing at an alarming rate, at levels from genes and species to ecological communities. Some ecologists predict that 50 per cent of all mammals and birds will be extinct within the next century. Biologists believe the loss of these resources threaten the functioning of natural systems and the overall well-being of human society.