Content from: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – www.unep.org
Posted by: Eco-Question Editor
Source: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – www.unep.org
Photo Credit:
- © Somphob Boonliam – somphobb.multiply.com
- © Suchet Suwanmongkol – khunchildbird.multiply.com
Logo Credit: 2010 International Year of Biodiversity – www.cbd.int
VDO Credit: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – www.unep.org
Special Thanks:
- Somphob Boonliam – somphobb.multiply.com
- Suchet Suwanmongkol – khunchildbird.multiply.com
- Jerasak Jumpated – tongfolio.multiply.com
What is biodiversity?
From the hot arid deserts of the Sahara, through the lush green rainforests of the Amazon, to the ocean depths and bright corals, our natural world is a marvel of different landscapes, materials, colours and textures.
The land, air and seas of our planet are home to the tiniest insects and the largest animals, which make up a rich tapestry of interconnecting and interdependent forces.
This is life, this is biodiversity.
Global Biodiversity Outlook 3
The most comprehensive report yet compiled on the state of life on our planet based not only on a wide range of scientific studies, but also on 110 national reports, compiled by governments.
Biodiversity found on Earth today consists of many millions of distinct biological species, the product of four billion years of evolution.
However, the word “Biodiversity” is relatively new, and is thought to have first been coined as a contraction of the term "biological diversity" in 1985 and then popularized by a number of authors. (Nematology: advances and perspectives, Volume 1By Z. X. Chen, S. Y. Chen, Donald Ward Dickson p439)
Related Story to Biodiversity:
- What is organic farming?
- Climate-friendly fruits?
- Why switching from conventional farming to organic farming?
Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, it includes all organisms, species, and populations; the genetic variation among these; and their complex assemblages of communities and ecosystems.
It also refers to the interrelatedness of genes, species, and ecosystems and in turn, their interactions with the environment.
Three levels of biodiversity are commonly discussed—genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.
1. Genetic diversity is all the different genes contained in all the living species including individual plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.
2. Species diversity is all the different species, as well as the differences within and between different species.
3. Ecosystem diversity is all the different habitats, biological communities and ecological processes, as well as variation within individual ecosystems.
Learn more on:
- What is Marine and Coastal Biodiversity?
- What is Marine Biosphere?
- Why Marine and Coastal Biodiversity is Important?
- What is the Problem of Coastal Biodiversity?
- What is ecosystem service?
- What are the main causes of biodiversity loss?
- Discover 5 different ways the ocean affects your everyday life
- The Billion Tree Campaign – Growing Green
- The International Day for Biological Diversity 2011: Forest Biodiversity
Please see 2010 International Year of Biodiversity
ABOUT UNEP
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the voice for the environment in the UN system. Established in 1972, UNEP’s mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. UNEP is an advocate, educator, catalyst and facilitator promoting the wise use of the planet’s natural assets for sustainable development. It works with many partners, UN entities, international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, business, industry, the media and civil society.
UNEP’s work involves providing support for: environmental assessment and reporting; legal and institutional strengthening and environmental policy development; sustainable use and management of natural resources; integration of economic development and environmental protection; and promoting public participation in environmental management.
