A. A variety of living organisms

- "Bios" > life

- "versi" > various

B. What are some examples of various ecosystems?

-Forest, prairies, desert, wetlands, ocean

C. There is also variety from one species to another

1. Why is this important?

a. Because diversity is the "key to survival"

b. -Different organisms have different strengths and weaknesses For example: resistance to drought, fire, disease, parasites, flooding, and changing nutrient availability

D. Why is it important to maintain biodiversity?

1. Because we don't know the true value of individual species

a. Ex: The Dodo Bird -Found on the Island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean

-Ate seeds of the Calvaria tree - Seed was germinated in the digestive system of the bird, was passed on, and grew into new tree

- Since the extinction of the Dodo bird, there have been no new Calvaria trees born!

2. Biodiversity supports the food chain