Biological diversity is all around us — it’s the variety of life on earth, from the tiniest insect to a vast northern forest. Some scientists estimate that there may be as many as 100 million different plants, animals, and micro-organisms on earth! Biological diversity is also about being connected. No species, including people, can live without others to provide it with food and habitat. All living things are part of this life system.

If we were to lose this biodiversity, we would not only lose rich and beautiful ecosystems, but we might also lose plants and other organisms that could improve or enrich our lives. In this first theme, you will learn about the importance of biological diversity.