Biodiversity describes the variety of living organisms on Earth, from bacteria and protozoa that can be seen only under microscopes to tall redwood trees. Species are groups of organisms that reproduce with similar traits, creating offspring that can successfully survive in the same ecosystem. Together, species form communities that interact dynamically with non-living elements like water or minerals. Biodiversity is found at multiple levels: local biodiversity impacts daily life by providing freshwater, food and fuel choices; regulation of crop pests and diseases; and other essential environmental services; regional biodiversity relates to habitats and ecosystems that synergize or differ on a geographic scale; and international biodiversity is concerned with global livelihood, food systems and health, such as by influencing weather patterns, biodiversity-related economic benefits and carbon sequestration.
Scientists are working to understand and monitor biodiversity using a variety of tools, from satellites and drones to fieldwork and genetic analysis. New technologies are also enabling scientists to collect, organize and analyze data at unprecedented rates, from the global level (such as using machine learning to count species across entire landscapes) to the individual levels of a single forest or coral reef.
People depend on biodiversity to provide many vital resources and services, such as freshwater, food and fuel sources; regulation of disease-causing organisms and crops; and the production of natural medicines. In addition, biodiversity contributes to climate change mitigation and is critical to human health through its role in sustaining ecosystem services that protect against heat stress, hunger and malnutrition, pollinator declines and the spread of vector-borne diseases.
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