How Do Scientists Define Biodiversity

Biodiversity can be expressed or measured in four different ways:

Genetic variability within a species. Genetic differences can be expressed through differences in body sizes, colors of roses, the heat of different chili peppers.
Diversity of populations of a species. This is measured in both the number of individuals within a local group--the size of the loon population in northern Wisconsin--and the distribution of a species' geographic range--the presence of loon populations from Alaska to Maine.
Diversity of species within a natural community. This means the variety of different species in a particular habitat area, such as the abundance of fish, coral, and other species around the Great Barrier Reef.
A wide array of natural communities and ecosystems throughout the world, from tropical rainforests to tall grass prairies to boreal forests.

	How Do Scientists Define Biodiversity?
	Biodiversity can be expressed or measured in four different ways: Genetic variability within a species. Genetic differences can be expressed through differences in body sizes, colors of roses, the heat of different chili peppers. Diversity of populations of a species. This is measured in both the number of individuals within a local group--the size of the loon population in northern Wisconsin--and the distribution of a species' geographic range--the presence of loon populations from Alaska to Maine. Diversity of species within a natural community. This means the variety of different species in a particular habitat area, such as the abundance of fish, coral, and other species around the Great Barrier Reef. A wide array of natural communities and ecosystems throughout the world, from tropical rainforests to tall grass prairies to boreal forests.