What biodiversity means
The variety of life forms found on Earth
An interweaving of species, habitats and ecosystems that ensures the balance of our planet
An encounter between the microscopic and the majestic
Biodiversity is vast—so vast, in fact, that even scientists question whether it can ever be fully defined.
But intuitively, we know what it is: the richness and variety of life on Earth, from the smallest bacteria to the most majestic whales.
A rich web of life and its many connections
Biodiversity is more than a catalogue of species.
The 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) broadened the concept, recognising that life exists on many interconnected levels
- Species diversity
- Biodiversity includes the incredible variety of animals, plants, and microorganisms on Earth.
So far, scientists have identified around 1.75 million species—but estimates range from 3 to 100 million. - Genetic diversity
- Biodiversity also refers to the genetic differences within and between species.
Each organism has its own unique genetic makeup—no two individuals in nature are exactly alike. - Ecosystem diversity
- Biodiversity also includes the wide variety of ecosystems on Earth.
Each one—forests, oceans, deserts, wetlands—hosts unique communities of organisms that interact with one another and with their environment.
A precious balance worth protecting
The richness of life on Earth—and the delicate connections between species, ecosystems, and environments—make our planet not just livable, but breathtakingly beautiful.
Protecting biodiversity means protecting the resources, relationships, and balance that sustain every aspect of our lives.
Follow the thread
Explore the invisible connections that bind all living things
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Healthy ecosystems: the northern park midge
Its discovery in a Milanese park demonstrates the effectiveness of environmental restoration efforts.
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Acidic oceans, resilient sponges? Depends.
Two compared species demonstrate very different adaptive capacities. And the picture becomes more complicated.
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Dolphin laughter
The open mouth is for communicating good intentions and responding to playmates
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Discovering the earth’s oldest ocean
Gaia Blu, the CNR oceanographic ship, will explore a window into Tethys’ past with the Sirens campaign
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Why tachinid flies are at risk (and why we should care)
The decline of these guardians of biodiversity has serious consequences for mountain ecosystems
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Longevity: the case of the Greenland shark
Through DNA repair mechanisms and a specific protein alteration, it reaches 400 years old
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Holobiont: a new perspective on life
An innovative approach to the study of living organisms: from an individualistic to a holistic analysis
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Plastic in the sea: help comes from satellite
Demonstrated ability to detect plastic debris through satellite monitoring
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Cold case: light on events millions of years ago
International team discovers the true extent of the Messinian Salinity Crisis
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Allies to safeguard: swallows
By feeding on flies, they protect the health of livestock and avoid the use of insecticides
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The music of animals
Of all types of calls, chicks prefer consonant sounds, which have a positive valence
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The world heats up: what about dung beetles?
Research investigates thermal tolerance of these insects, indispensable guardians of biodiversity