What does biological diversity encompass?

Biological diversity, often referred to as biodiversity, encompasses the variety of life forms on Earth. This includes the diversity within species, between species, and among ecosystems. Biodiversity is crucial because it contributes to the resilience and functioning of ecosystems, influences the provision of ecosystem services, and supports human survival and well-being.

Understanding biodiversity involves recognizing not just the number of species present in an environment, but also the genetic diversity within those species and the complex interactions among different species and their habitats. This concept plays a critical role in conservation efforts, as preserving a wide range of life forms helps maintain ecological balance and adaptability to environmental changes.

The other options, while related to different aspects of Earth's composition, do not directly relate to biological diversity. Ecosystems, climate conditions, and geological features are important in their own right, but they do not capture the essence of the variety of life forms that biological diversity emphasizes.