The extraordinary variety of life on Earth is fraying at an unprecedented rate. Explore what biodiversity is, why it matters, and how science is working to protect it.
Global food crops relying on animal pollinators
Biodiversity—short for biological diversity—is not just a count of how many different species live in a given area. It is a multidimensional concept that encompasses the full spectrum of life's variety.
The variety of different species in an ecosystem. Current estimates suggest there are about 10 million species on Earth 2 .
The variation of genes within a single species, crucial for adaptation to changing environments 2 .
The variety of habitats on Earth, from tropical rainforests to Arctic tundra 2 .
Posits that each species has a unique role—its "niche"—in the environment, reducing direct competition and allowing for coexistence 4 .
Suggests that diversity is not due to niche differences but is instead the result of random processes like birth, death, and dispersal 4 .
Biodiversity is not merely a aesthetic luxury; it is the foundation of our survival and well-being. Its value is both intrinsic and profoundly practical.
Biodiversity supports everything in nature that we need to survive: food, clean water, medicine, and shelter 1 .
More than 75% of global food crops rely on animal pollinators, a service worth US$235–577 billion annually to global agriculture .
Over 50% of modern pharmaceuticals are derived from natural compounds .
Over 75% of emerging infectious diseases jump from animals to humans, often in areas where ecosystems have been disrupted .
Forests, oceans, and wetlands are natural carbon sinks, absorbing over half of all human-generated carbon emissions 9 .
Despite massive losses, forests still absorb about 2.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide each year .
Human activities are putting unprecedented pressure on the planet's life-support systems.
For years, scientists have known that more biodiverse ecosystems tend to be more productive and support more living mass (biomass). A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Alex Pigot at UCL shed new light on this complex relationship 8 .
| Scenario | Impact of Species Richness on Biomass | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Large species are rare | Strong Positive Effect | Higher diversity increases chance of including rare, large species that contribute massively to total biomass. |
| No strong size-abundance relationship | Weak or No Effect | Adding more species does not systematically add individuals that significantly increase total biomass. |
Understanding and monitoring biodiversity requires a suite of advanced tools and methods.
| Tool / Method | Primary Function | Application Example |
|---|---|---|
| DNA Barcoding & Genomics | Identifies species and assesses genetic diversity from tissue samples. | The Smithsonian's DNA repository supports the Global Genome Project 2 . |
| ForestGEO & MarineGEO | Long-term monitoring of forest and marine ecosystems across a global network of sites. | Tracking forest biodiversity and function over decades 2 . |
| Remote Sensing & Drones | Provides large-scale data on habitat extent, deforestation, and wildlife populations. | Counting endangered turtles nesting along remote rivers 3 . |
| Stable Isotope Analysis | Tracks nutrient flow and food web structure by analyzing chemical signatures. | Revealing how introduced catfish forced native fish to shift diets 3 . |
| Species | Body Mass (kg) | Relative Abundance in Community | Contribution to Total Biomass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Species A | 0.01 | Very High | Low |
| Species B | 0.5 | High | Medium |
| Species C | 2.0 | Medium | High |
| Species D | 100 | Very Low | Very High |
| Species E | 5.0 | Low | Medium |
The biodiversity crisis is severe, but there is hope. Biodiversity is remarkably resilient. Ease the pressures, manage resources wisely, and given time, ecosystems can recover 1 .
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted by 196 countries, sets out an ambitious plan to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 9 .
This is supported by new research funding, such as the European Biodiversa+ partnership's €40 million call for research on ecosystem restoration 5 .
Recognizing and protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples, who are often the most effective guardians of biodiversity 9 .
As individuals, we can ease the pressure by rethinking how we eat, what we buy, and how we power our homes and travel 1 .
Biodiversity is the intricate, vibrant web of life that it is our great fortune to inhabit. It is both a marvel to be cherished and a foundation to be protected. The scientific discoveries of today, from revealing the fundamental rules that govern ecosystems to tracking the quiet disappearance of species, provide both a warning and a guide.
The evidence is clear: our fate is inextricably linked to the health of the natural world. By understanding, valuing, and actively protecting biodiversity, we are ultimately securing our own future on this planet.