(Bio = Life) + (Diversity = Variety)
Biodiversity = Variety of Life
![A small, brown pika hides among rocks.](/subjects/biodiversity/images/pika_1.jpg?maxwidth=650&autorotate=false)
JR Douglass, NPS Photo.
Biological diversity (or biodiversity) is the variety of life on Earth. It includes all living things, not just the plants and animals that are common or easily seen. It includes species that are not well known, such as microorganisms or invertebrates. Biodiversity refers to life on land, in the water, in the air, in deserts and caves—even in hot springs or glaciers!
![Mushroom](/subjects/biodiversity/images/mushroom_1.jpg?maxwidth=650&autorotate=false)
NPS Photo.
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Last updated: March 4, 2019