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Three levels of diversity

Biodiversity is counted on three levels. Genetic diversity is the variation of alleles within a species. Without it the population is vulnerable to new diseases, much as with inbreeding. Species diversity is how many species live in an area. Ecosystem diversity is the variety of habitats, such as forest, bog, river and kelp forest. A keystone species, for example the beaver, keeps several of these going for other species. The Red List shows species that are threatened. The greatest pressures are land-use change, climate, pollution, invasive species and overharvesting.

3 levels3\ \text{levels}genes, species and ecosystems

Symbols

genesgeneswithin the species
speciesspeciesnumber of species
ecosystemsecosystemshabitats

Example

Genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity.

That is 3 levels, and all three can be weakened separately.

A species can have many individuals and still little genetic diversity.
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Part of Biology 1: Biodiversity and classification.