Biodiversity is a contraction of the phrase "biological diversity," and refers to the variability of life within a species (judged by the variations in its genetic makeup), an ecosystem, a region and even across the planet. The biodiversity of the Amazon, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, would include the terrestrial species found in the rainforest, the birds that fly in its skies and the aquatic creatures that swim in the Amazon River. But one could also examine the biodiversity of the Amazon River itself. Biodiversity varies widely across the globe, from places of high biodiversity, such as rainforests and coral reefs, and areas of lower biodiversity, such as agricultural fields. High biodiversity is often considered a sign of a healthy ecosystem, and many conservation efforts are aimed preserving biodiversity. Read below for stories on studies of biodiversity.
Latest about biodiversity
19 'mass extinctions' had CO2 levels we're now veering toward, study warns
The research looked at peaks in biodiversity loss and their relationship with atmospheric CO2, finding 50 events over the last 534 million years that can be considered mass extinctions.
Hidden 36 million-year-long cycles may fuel biodiversity on Earth, ancient rocks reveal
As tectonic plates clash and pull apart, sea levels change. This process has shaped marine biodiversity over time, a new study suggests.
Did the Cambrian explosion really happen?
Something unique does seem to have taken place during this time when so many animal groups first appeared, but it's not an open-and-shut case.
Which animals are most likely to survive climate change?
What animal species will survive projected future droughts, rising temperatures and habitat loss?
15 strange desert animals
Deserts are full of oddball animals. Here are 15 of the strangest.
The Devils Hole pupfish is so inbred that it shouldn’t be alive
New research reveals exactly how inbred the Devils Hole pupfish is.
World's first wolf clone born to surrogate dog, Chinese company reveals
A Chinese pet-cloning company has successfully cloned an Arctic wolf for the first time. The adorable pup is proof that cloning could be used to help save endangered species.
Underwater 'ocean forests' on the sea bottom cover more area than the Amazon
Vast underwater forests grow on the sea bottom; collectively, they cover more area than the entire Indian continent.
