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Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life you’ll find in one area—the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life. Biodiversity supports everything in nature that we need to survive: food, clean water, medicine, and shelter.

Types of biodiversity:

Genetic biodiversity

Species biodiversity

Ecological biodiversity

Importance:

Every species has a specific role in an ecosystem. They capture and store energy and also produce and decompose organic matter. The ecosystem supports the services without which humans cannot survive. A diverse ecosystem is more productive and can withstand environmental stress.

India study case:
India is one of the most diverse nations in the world. It ranks ninth in terms of plant species richness. Two of the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots are found in India. It is the origin of important crop species such as pigeon pea, eggplant, cucumber, cotton and sesame. India is also a centre of various domesticated species such as millets, cereals, legumes, vegetables, medicinal and aromatic crops, etc.

India is equally diverse in its faunal wealth. There are about 91000 animal species found here.

However, diversity is depleting at a drastic rate and various programmes on biodiversity conservation are being launched to conserve nature.

Sources:

“What Is Biodiversity and Why Is It Under Threat?” World Wildlife Fund, www.worldwildlife.org/pages/what-is-biodiversity.

Admin. “Biodiversity and Its Types.” BYJUS, 30 May 2022, byjus.com/biology/biodiversity.

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Cultural diversity refers to the variety of cultural expressions, practices, and identities that exist within a society or community. It encompasses the different backgrounds, languages, traditions, and beliefs that shape individuals and groups. Recognising and valuing cultural diversity is essential for promoting inclusion, fostering mutual respect, and enhancing social cohesion.

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Religious diversity refers to the existence of various religious beliefs and practices within a society or region. It encompasses the recognition and acceptance of different faiths, traditions, and spiritual perspectives. This diversity can manifest in the coexistence of multiple religions, the variations within a single religion, or the presence of diverse interpretations and practices within the same faith.

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Sex and gender can be understood in the conventional context of male and female workers. For instance, the phrase “gender balance” may be mentioned by organizations aiming for an equal representation of employees identifying as male and those identifying as female. However, as the understanding of gender evolves, the phrase “gender diversity” might be more fitting, given the existence of various expressions of gender and sexual orientation.