biodiversity

[ bahy-oh-di-vur-si-tee, ‑dahy‑ ]

noun

1. biological diversity among and within plant and animal species in an environment:

   Coral reefs are not just havens for marine biodiversity, they also underpin the economies of many coastal communities.

   Spiraling extinctions will continue diminishing biodiversity for hundreds of years.

biodiversity

/ ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsɪtɪ /

noun

1. the existence of a wide variety of plant and animal species in their natural environments, which is the aim of conservationists concerned about the indiscriminate destruction of rainforests and other habitats

biodiversity

/ bī′ō-dĭ-vûr′sĭ-tē /

1. The number, variety, and genetic variation of different organisms found within a specified geographic region.

biodiversity

1. A term that describes the number of different species that live within a particular ecosystem .

Notes

The preservation of biodiversity is considered by environmentalists to be a major goal of environmental policy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of biodiversity¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1985–90; bio(logical) ( def ) + diversity ( def )

Example Sentences

There are also many environmental problems from growing the sugar, like habitat and biodiversity loss and water pollution from fertilizers and mills.

From Salon

“Time is running out,” Brandy McDaniels of the Pit River Nation said last month at COP 16, the United Nations biodiversity summit in Colombia, bringing the plea to a world stage.

From Los Angeles Times

Southeast Asia's tropical forests are renowned for their biodiversity, but at the same time face significant threats from the expansion of oil palm plantations.

From Science Daily

"It's crucial for safeguarding both our food systems and biodiversity."

From Science Daily

A concerted effort will also be made to improve the country's biodiversity.

From BBC