What are the three levels of biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms in a given ecosystem. It is a
critical component of ecosystem functioning and supports various ecological services
like pollination, air and water purification, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation.
Three levels of biodiversity are commonly recognized: genetic biodiversity, species
biodiversity, and ecosystem biodiversity.
Genetic biodiversity refers to the variation in genetic makeup within a species. It is
essential for the survival and adaptation of a species to changing environmental
conditions. Genetic diversity allows for increased resistance to disease, enables
greater resilience to environmental stress, and improves the probability of species
recovery from natural disasters or human disturbances. Genetic diversity is also
essential for the breeding of domesticated plants and livestock as it helps to increase
resistance to diseases and pests.
Species biodiversity refers to the number of different species present in a given
ecosystem. The variety of species that make up an ecosystem is important for
maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, as they all contribute to different roles
such as feeding, pollinating, and decomposing. Higher species diversity also ensures
that the ecosystem is more stable and can withstand perturbations, such as natural
disasters or human activities that might reduce the number of keystone species.
Ecosystem biodiversity, on the other hand, refers to the variety of ecosystems,
landscapes, and habitats, which support different communities of plant and animal
species. Ecosystems provide various ecological services such as carbon
accumulation, water retention, soil stabilization, and nutrient cycling. Ecosystem
biodiversity helps to ensure the functionality of ecological services that support
human life.
In summary, biodiversity can be divided into three categories: genetic, species, and
ecosystem, all of which are critical in sustaining the life on Earth.
References:
CBD Secretariat. (2005). Handbook of the Convention on Biological Diversity including its
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. eighth edition. ISBN 92-9225-382-8.
Pimm, S. L. (2001). The world according to Pimm: a biologist reflects on the ecology of our
planet. McGraw-Hill Companies.