What does biodiversity encompass?

Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth, which is comprehensively captured by the correct answer. This includes genetic diversity, which represents the variability among individuals within a species; species diversity, referring to the variety of species within a given habitat or ecosystem; and ecosystem diversity, encompassing the different ecosystems and their interactions within a larger environment.

Understanding biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecological balance, supporting food webs, and contributing to resilience against environmental changes. It plays a critical role in ecosystem services that benefit human well-being, such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation.

The other options, while related to aspects of the environment and human activity, do not encompass the full scope of what biodiversity includes. Agricultural practices may influence biodiversity but do not define it. The area of forests and oceans pertains to land and aquatic resources rather than the diverse forms of life within those areas. Economic value, though important for conservation efforts, does not reflect the intrinsic variety and relationships among living organisms in ecosystems.