Q.Write a short note on: Bio-Diversity

Bio-diversity is the variety of all life forms on the earth, existing at three levels — genetic, species and ecosystem diversity. It maintains ecological balance and provides food, medicine and raw materials, so conserving it is essential for sustainable development. This is an AP Intermediate 2nd-year Economics topic on environment and the economy.

Meaning: Bio-diversity, short for biological diversity, refers to the wide variety and variability of living organisms — plants, animals and micro-organisms — found on the earth and the ecosystems they form. It is usually described at three levels:

1. Genetic diversity — the variety of genes within a single species, which allows species to adapt and survive.
2. Species diversity — the variety of different species of plants, animals and micro-organisms in a region.
3. Ecosystem diversity — the variety of ecosystems or habitats, such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts and oceans. …