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Biodiversity (or biological diversity) is the variety of life forms on earth - the different plants, animals and microorganisms, the genes they contain, and the ecosystems of which they form a part. It is not static but constantly changing - increased by genetic change and evolution and reduced by processes such as habitat degradation and extinction. Biodiversity is usually considered at three levels:

• species diversity is the variety of species on earth (plants, animals, bacteria)

• ecosystem diversity is the variety of habitats, biotic communities and ecological processes

• genetic diversity is the variety of genetic information within and between populations of species. It is the basis of continuing evolution, and of the adaptability and survival of species.