What is the term for the variety of life in an ecosystem?

The variety of life in an ecosystem is referred to as biodiversity. This term encompasses the different species of plants, animals, fungi, microorganisms, and the genetic variations within those species, as well as the ecosystems themselves. Biodiversity is crucial for the resilience of ecosystems, as it contributes to the stability of food webs, the provision of ecosystem services, and the overall health of the environment. High biodiversity can lead to greater productivity and a wider range of resources available to organisms in the ecosystem.

In contrast, diversity on its own may refer to a variety of elements but does not specify biological life. Habitat signifies the natural environment in which an organism lives, while population describes a group of individuals of the same species in a given area. Thus, although related, these terms do not capture the comprehensive concept of biodiversity, which is specifically about the richness and variability of life forms in an ecosystem.