biodiversity

American  

[bahy-oh-di-vur-si-tee, ‑dahy‑] / ˌbaɪ oʊ dɪˈvɜr sɪ ti, ‑daɪ‑ /

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.

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biodiversity British  

/ 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

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biodiversity Scientific  

/ bī′ō-dĭ-vûr′sĭ-tē /

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

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biodiversity Cultural  

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

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Discover More

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

Etymology

Origin of biodiversity

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

Example Sentences

"Is there really no link between global warming and the preservation of biodiversity or the prevention of air pollution?" the lawyer stated.

From Barron's

After examining a vast global database of biodiversity surveys covering marine, freshwater, and land ecosystems over the past century, the team found the opposite trend.

From Science Daily

The New South Wales government's environment department said that "the illegal wildlife trade is not a victimless crime", harming conservation and stripping the state "and Australia of its unique biodiversity".

From Barron's

For all their continued passion about the mission in their own backyard, the McCoys fret about the bigger picture — the alarming increase in greenhouse gases and the biodiversity decline.

From Los Angeles Times

Proponents hailed lions as a keystone species that enhances biodiversity and pointed out the affection they generate — from Los Angeles’ late, famed P-22 to the lion that recently strolled through San Francisco.

From Los Angeles Times