6. Biodiversity

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Introduction to Biodiversity:

Definition: Biodiversity

is the variability among living organisms from all sources including

terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes

of which they are a apart; this includes diversity within species, between

species and of ecosystems.

Genetic Diversity: Refers to the variation in genetic information between species, as well as the variation between individuals of the same species.

Species Diversity: Is the variety of species on Earth. It not only refers to the number of species, but also the number of individuals within each species. Species is defined as a group of individuals that are genetically similar.

Australia has around 450 000 species.

And there are around 5-30 Million species worldwide.

The reason for the large range in the amount of species worldwide, is because 1). the depths of the oceans haven't been fully explored and 2). the different amount of micro organisms are yet to be fully identified.

Ecosystem Diversity: Habitats/Natural communities and ecological processes in the biosphere.

Biotic: Living organisms

Abiotic: Non-living organisms

Cultural Diversity: Diversity in languages, religious beliefs, land management, art, music and social structure.

The reason this is import is because it may offer solutions to the problems of survival in different environments, and help people adapt to changing conditions.