Which of the following best describes biodiversity?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in the world, encompassing the different species, their genetic variations, and the ecosystems they inhabit. This concept includes not only the sheer number of species present in a particular area but also the genetic differences within those species and the ecological roles they play.

The variety of life is crucial as it contributes to ecosystem resilience, productivity, and the ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. It supports ecosystem services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and water purification, all essential for human survival and the health of the planet.

Other choices, like focusing solely on the number of individuals in a single species or the total biomass in an ecosystem, do not capture the full scope of biodiversity. Similarly, emphasizing genetic uniformity contradicts the very essence of biodiversity, which thrives on genetic diversity as it promotes adaptability and resilience among species. Hence, the best description of biodiversity is the variety of life in the world.