Biodiversity encompasses the immense diversity of life on Earth, forming an intricate mosaic that reflects millions of years of evolution. It involves not only the vast number of species but also their genetic composition, and the ecosystems they create.

1.Distribution: The distribution of biodiversity isn’t even across the globe. Tropical regions, being the oldest and receiving the most sunlight, are teeming with life, boasting the highest species count. In contrast, the colder polar regions have vast populations but fewer species.

2.Definition: Breaking down the term ‘Biodiversity’, ‘Bio’ means “life” and ‘diversity’ means “variety”. Hence, biodiversity encompasses the spectrum of life forms on Earth, ranging from the tiniest micro-organisms to vast mammals, and from individual genes to entire ecosystems.

3.Importance: This vast diversity is Earth’s most valuable asset. Biodiversity is a testament to nature’s resilience and adaptability over millions of years, continuously evolving and adapting to Earth’s ever-changing conditions.

Levels Of Biodiversity

Biodiversity can be understood at three primary levels:

1.Genetic Diversity

Definition: It pertains to the variation of genes within a species. Every species is made up of individuals with their unique genetic makeup. This genetic variety is crucial because it allows species to adapt to changes in their environment over time.