Which term refers to the variety of life in the biosphere?

The term that refers to the variety of life in the biosphere is biodiversity. Biodiversity encompasses the variation in species, genetic differences within those species, and the range of ecosystems. It includes not only the number of different species but also their abundance and the relationships between them. This concept is crucial because it signifies the health and stability of ecosystems, supports ecosystem services, and contributes to resilience against environmental changes and disasters.

In contrast, a biome refers to a large geographical area characterized by specific climate, plant, and animal life, but it does not encompass the broader concept of variety within species. A habitat is a particular environment where an organism lives, focusing more on the specific conditions that support a certain species rather than the overall variety of life. Ecology is the scientific study of interactions between organisms and their environment, which includes biodiversity but is a broader field encompassing various interactions and relationships. Therefore, biodiversity specifically emphasizes the richness of life forms within the biosphere.