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

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.

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

"We still have a window of time to slow down climate change and loss of biodiversity," she said at the time.

From BBC

"We encourage people to notice and enjoy the trees around them, and learn more about how they benefit us - from boosting biodiversity and wellbeing, to mitigating the effects of climate change."

From BBC

"Timber harvesting and transport will allow us to restructure Uswayford, increasing biodiversity by creating open habitats, restoring peatlands and planting of a wider mix of tree species."

From BBC

Of Yemeni and Syrian heritage, Al-Shamahi grew up in Birmingham, England; earned degrees in evolutionary biology and taxonomy and biodiversity from Imperial College London and was named a National Geographic Emerging Explorer in 2015.

From Los Angeles Times

"I think climate change is having a much bigger impact on biodiversity, and I think organisations like the wildlife trust need to recognise that," he added.

From BBC