Biodiversity
Biology: AQA A Level, topic 4.6.1
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the complexity of a biological community. Biodiversity exists at many different levels and can be measured using species richness.
Habitats
- Biodiversity exists in habitats at a range of sizes.
- A habitat is an area where an organism lives.
- Biodiversity can be considered in a small, local habitat (e.g. a lake).
- Biodiversity varies between different habitats.
- E.g. Coral reefs are typically more biodiverse than meadows.
Global biodiversity
- Biodiversity can also be considered on the global scale.
- Biodiversity varies around the world.
- E.g. The equator is typically more biodiverse than the poles.
Species richness
- Species richness is the number of species in a habitat or community.
- Species richness can be measured by counting the number of different species in the habitat.
Test yourself on Biodiversity
Which of the following statements about biodiversity are true?
What is the definition of species richness?