What does biodiversity encompass?

Biodiversity is a comprehensive term that encompasses the variability and abundance of life at multiple levels, including genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. It refers to the variety of living organisms, the ecological complexes they form, and the interactions among these organisms, as well as their environments.

This multidimensional aspect of biodiversity means that it is not solely concerned with the number of different species, but also with how many individuals there are of those species, the genetic differences among them, and the variety of ecosystems present in a given area. For instance, greater biodiversity usually leads to more resilient ecosystems, which can better withstand environmental changes and pressures.

The other options focus on limited aspects of biodiversity: only considering different species ignores the richness and variability within those species, while emphasizing a single species' abundance neglects the importance of other species and the ecosystems they inhabit. Similarly, quantifying total biomass does not capture the full range of interactions and genetic diversity that contribute to the overall health and stability of ecosystems. Thus, the second choice accurately reflects the holistic nature of biodiversity.