Biodiversity, as a biological phenomenon, denotes the variability and complexity of life across genes, species, populations, communities, and ecosystems, including their functional traits and phylogenetic relationships. It emerges from evolutionary processes such as mutation, selection, gene flow, and drift, and is structured by ecological interactions, environmental gradients, and spatiotemporal dynamics. Biodiversity influences and reflects ecosystem functioning, stability, and resilience through mechanisms like complementarity, redundancy, and trophic interactions. It is quantitatively characterized using metrics of richness, evenness, turnover, and functional or phylogenetic diversity, and its patterns are central to understanding biogeography, ecosystem processes, and responses to environmental change.
As governments prepare to gather in Yerevan, Armenia, this week for the U.N. Biodiversity Conference (COP17), new research identifies 13% of Earth's land area as hotspots for biodiversity conservation, highlighting where ...
Environment
Oct 19, 2026
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20
According to two new UNSW studies, researchers often choose research topics based on personal preferences and cultural attitudes, including exposure to films, TV shows and even zoos, rather than attempting to fill the most ...
Plants & Animals
Oct 19, 2026
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14
Nearly 200 nations kicked off crucial U.N. biodiversity talks in Armenia on Monday as governments face pressure to salvage a landmark nature pact whose goals are slipping out of reach.
Environment
Oct 19, 2026
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13
A bumblebee-like insect that was last seen in France 150 years ago was spotted again in the Paris region in 2025.
Plants & Animals
Oct 19, 2026
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19
As governments prepare to gather in Armenia for the U.N. biodiversity summit, researchers are highlighting a conservation approach that recognizes places where nature thrives beyond conventional protected areas.
Environment
Oct 15, 2026
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In an effort to conserve the world's plants and animals, governments have pledged to conserve 30% of the planet by 2030. Official figures suggest that attempts to reach this target on land have stalled, but a new study led ...
Ecology
Oct 15, 2026
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20
Nations are steeling for a disappointing report card at this month's U.N. biodiversity summit, with governments falling short on their commitments to protect the plants, animals and ecosystems that sustain life on Earth.
Environment
Oct 12, 2026
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17
Biodiversity indicators can help companies make more sustainable decisions. But only 9% of the world's largest companies in sectors with a major impact on biodiversity use such indicators, according to a new study from Lund ...
Ecology
Oct 8, 2026
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15
The world must seize a shrinking window to reverse the steep decline of wildlife and nature by triggering positive tipping points in food and finance, following the path of the one already underway in energy, according to ...
Ecology
Oct 8, 2026
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8
A new global review of observed climate change impacts on plant communities reveals major gaps in where and how we monitor some of the world's most climate-vulnerable ecosystems.
Environment
Oct 5, 2026
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15
