Biodiversity

Biodiversity means the variety of life on Earth. It includes all the different species of plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria. Places with lots of different species have high biodiversity. Biodiversity is important because all living things depend on each other.

Why Biodiversity Matters

Every species plays a role in its ecosystem. Bees pollinate plants. Worms enrich the soil. Trees clean the air. When one species disappears, it can affect many others. High biodiversity makes ecosystems stronger and better able to survive changes like storms or droughts.

Threats to Biodiversity

Biodiversity is in danger in many parts of the world. Habitat loss is the biggest threat. Pollution, climate change, and invasive species also hurt biodiversity. Scientists estimate that species are going extinct much faster than in the past. Protecting natural areas helps keep biodiversity strong.

Fun Facts

• Scientists have identified about 8.7 million species on Earth, but millions more have not been discovered yet.
• A single tree in a rainforest can be home to over 1,000 species of insects.
• The Amazon Rainforest has the highest biodiversity of any place on Earth.

Did You Know?

Madagascar is home to many species found nowhere else on Earth. About 90 percent of the plants and animals on this island nation are unique to Madagascar!