Biodiversity is an umbrella term for the total variety of life on earth.

Biodiversity is most often considered to be represented by the number of species in a community or ecosystem. However, other facets of biodiversity include the genetic differences between individuals of the same species, and the comparative diversity among whole ecosystems.

We require research to investigate the consequences of biodiversity for the function and resilience of ecosystems, and the sustainable delivery and use of natural goods and services. The successful management of biodiversity requires a clear understanding of how the major causes of environmental change impact our natural heritage, both now and in the future.