Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms within an ecosystem, including the diversity of species, genetic diversity within each species, and the variety of ecosystems present in a given area. It is a measure of the health of an ecosystem and plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and stability. Biodiversity is important because it provides numerous ecosystem services such as clean air and water, pollination of plants, and regulation of climate. It also contributes to human well-being by providing sources of food, medicine, and recreation.