Variation among living organisms and their biological organization. For ecosystem-function experiments, distinguish the number of species from their identities, relative abundances and functional differences.
The number of species in a defined assemblage or sample. It differs from evenness, abundance and functional diversity; controlled richness experiments need replication of composition to separate these effects.
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Biodiversity, or biological diversity, refers to the variety of life on Earth. It encompasses the diversity of species, genetic variations within those species, and the ecosystems in which they live. Biodiversity is often understood at three main levels: 1. **Genetic Diversity**: This refers to the variation in genetic makeup among individuals of a species. High genetic diversity within a species can enhance its ability to adapt to changing environments and resist diseases.