Question

Define biodiversity

• A. The number of different species that are represented in a given community.
• B. The total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species.
• C. The variety of all living things; the different plants, animals and microorganisms, the genetic information they contain and the ecosystems they form.
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Biodiversity is defined as the variety of all living things; the different plants, animals and microorganisms, the genetic information they contain and the ecosystems they form.
2. Biodiversity is usually explored at three levels - genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity.
3. Genetic diversity is the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species.
4. Species diversity is the number of different species that are represented in a given community
5. Ecological diversity is the variation in the ecosystems found in a region or the variation in ecosystems over the whole planet.
6. Ecological diversity includes the variation in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. The number of different species that are represented in a given community is called the species diversity.
2. It is one of the levels of the biodiversity.

Option B:

1. The total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species is called genetic diversity.
2. It is also one of the levels of the biodiversity.

Option D:

1. Since the option C is correct, this option is invalid.

Final answer: Biodiversity is the variety of all living things; the different plants, animals and microorganisms, the genetic information they contain and the ecosystems they form.