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Definitions
The most straightforward definition is "variation of life at all levels of
biological organization".[3] A second definition holds that biodiversity is a measure of
the relative diversity among organisms present in different ecosystems. "Diversity"
in this definition includes diversity within a species and among species, and
comparative diversity among ecosystems.
A third definition that is often used by ecologists is the "totality of genes,
species, and ecosystems of a region". An advantage of this definition is that it
seems to describe most circumstances and present a unified view of the traditional
three levels at which biodiversity has been identified:
NEED OF BIODIVERSITY
Our project is designed to test the notion that the gradient of intensification of production,
from grazed native woodlands through pastures based on native grasses to pastures of
exotic species and finally cropped areas, will result in altered communities of plants and
animals in a predictable way.
At the ecosystem level, biodiversity provides the conditions and drives the
processes that sustain the global economy – and our very survival as a
species. The benefits and services provided by ecosystems include:
>> Generation of soils and maintenance of soil quality
The activities of microbial and animal species – including bacteria, algae,
fungi, mites, millipedes and worms – condition soils, break down organic
matter, and release essential nutrients to plants. These processes play a key
role in the cycling of such crucial elements as nitrogen, carbon and
phosphorous between the living and non-living parts of the biosphere.