Biological diversity.

Biological diversity : Thousands of living things exist on the earth. The variety seen among these living things is known as biological diversity or biodiversity. Examples of biodiversity : 1. There is great diversity in size and shape of living things. There is diversity ranging from microorganisms, unicellular plants and animals to giant trees, vines, huge animals like whale and elephant. 2. There is a tremendous varition in the eating habits of animals. 3. Factors that transmit chromosomes from one generation to the next generation differ in different organisms. 4. Variation ( variety ) is also seen in body structure, habitat ane life patterns of the living organisms belonging to the same class. Biodiversity and environment : Environment is an important factor that brings about the biodiversity. Due to constant changes in environment there are variations among the living organisms. E.g. 1. Aquatic organisms living in fresh water ponds, lakes, rivers or in seas exhibit variation. 2. Animals and plants from snowbound regions differ from those living in plains.