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Definitions
List of terms for Biodiversity
Producing enough food for a rapidly growing population, and taking care of our planet are two of the world's biggest challenges.
B
Biodiversity
See 'biological diversity'.
Biological Diversity
Biological Diversity — more commonly known as biodiversity — is a collective term used to describe the totality and variety of living organisms on Earth. Biodiversity is usually classified at three levels — genes, species and ecosystems.
Biomass
The total weight of all living things within a given area or biological community.
Biome
A major portion of the living environment of a particular region (such as a grassland), characterised by its distinctive vegetation and maintained by local climatic conditions. [Source: World Resources Institute]
Biopiracy
Activities relating to the access or use of genetic resources that contravene national regimes based on the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. Biopiracy also refers to the unauthorised patenting of genetic resources. The term is often used in the context of 'neocolonial' or corporate use and the patenting of products derived from developing countries' biological resources without equitable compensation.
Bioprospecting
The search for for new plant and microbial strains that may serve as sources for new natural products such as food or pharmaceuticals. Bioprospecting is not the same as biopiracy.
Biota
All of the organisms — including animals, plants, fungi, and microbes — found in a given area. [Source: World Resources Institute]
