Florida Biology EOC Practice Test

What does biodiversity refer to?

1. Abiotic Factors

2. The existence of a wide variety of plant and animal life in an environment

3. Immigration and Emigration

4. The number of births and deaths

The correct answer is: The existence of a wide variety of plant and animal life in an environment

Biodiversity refers to the existence of a wide variety of plant and animal life in an environment. This concept encompasses not only the diversity of species but also the genetic variability within those species and the various ecosystems they form. High biodiversity is essential for ecosystem resilience, providing stability and sustainability, as it allows ecological systems to recover from disturbances and maintain their functions. The other options relate to different ecological concepts. Abiotic factors refer to non-living components of an ecosystem, such as climate and soil, which influence living organisms but are not a measure of biodiversity themselves. Immigration and emigration are terms that describe the movement of individuals into and out of populations, impacting population dynamics but not specifically addressing the variety of life forms present. The number of births and deaths pertains to population growth and decline rather than the variety of species within an ecosystem.