Define biodiversity. How is biodiversity important for ecosystem functioning?

Explanation

(i) it is essential for maintenance of gaseous composition of the atmosphere. The amazon forest produces about 20% of the total oxygen in the earth.s atmosphere through photosynthesis.
(ii) it ensures pollination without which plants cannot give fruits and seeds.
(iii) biodiversity has great aesthetic value. example of aesthetic rewards include ecotourism, bird watching, wildlife, pet keeping and gardening etc. in majority of indian villages and towns, plants like ocimum sanctum (Tulsi ) and ficus religiosa (peepal ) are condidered sacred and worshipped by the people. several birds and eveb sjiakes have been condidered sacred.