Category: EnvironmentPart of speech: nounDifficulty: IntermediateRecommended for ★ UPSC

biodiversity

/ˌbaɪ.əʊ.daɪˈvɜː.sɪ.ti/Roman

English meaning: Biodiversity

English Definition

(English)

Biodiversity encompasses the totality of life on Earth: the diversity within species (genetic), between species, and of ecosystems. It supports ecological services — clean air, water purification, pollination, climate regulation — that underpin all human life and economy.

English Definition

The variety of life on Earth at all its levels — from genes to ecosystems — encompassing species richness, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity. India is one of 17 megadiverse countries, home to 7-8% of all recorded species.

Example

The Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas are two of India's biodiversity hotspots, recognised for their exceptional concentration of endemic species.

In English: India has two major global biodiversity hotspots — the Western Ghats and the Eastern Himalayas.

Synonyms

  • species richness
  • ecological diversity

Antonyms / Opposites

  • monoculture
  • extinction
  • biodiversity loss

Literary Heritage

I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars.

I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars.

Walt Whitman · Poet · 19th century

Leaves of Grass

Leaves of Grass, 'Song of Myself', Section 31, 1855

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