Biodiversity
The term biodiversity describes the variety of life on Earth, from micro-organisms to mighty whales, along with the habitats they depend upon. Discover why the world’s biodiversity is under threat and what will happen to us as biodiversity decreases. Also, find out about the problems that come with trying to measure it, and how the Museum’s work is helping in the study and conservation of biodiversity.
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UK Biodiversity Portal
Find out about UK biodiversity and how you can help to preserve it by identifying local species, taking part in wildlife surveys, and much more.
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Introduction to biodiversity
What is biodiversity, what are the threats and what is the Museum doing to help conserve biodiversity?
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Why conserve biodiversity?
Biodiversity is a fundamental part of the Earth's life support system, without it we would not be able to survive.
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What threatens our biodiversity?
The world's biodiversity is under threat from a range of different dangers, the majority of which have been caused by humans.
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Measuring biodiversity and extinction
Watch these videos to find out how Museum scientists are helping to work out how many species exist worldwide and how many are endangered.
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Too late for some – recent plant and animal extinctions
Many scientists believe humans are causing a 6th mass extinction. Discover some of the wildlife that humans have tragically driven extinct in the past few centuries, and find out how.
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Saving species from extinction
The survival of many species hangs in the balance, brought to the brink of extinction by humans. Find out how conservation efforts are helping and whether it might one day be possible to bring back extinct species.
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Conservation projects and issues
Watch these videos to find out about international projects attempting to save endangered species, and explore some of the challenges conservationists face.
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Biodiversity at the Museum
Scientists at the Museum and in many other research centres are still discovering new species, all of which play a role in the global ecosystem.
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Somerset seaweeds
Follow Museum expert Professor Juliet Brodie as she carries out the first seaweed survey since the 1970s in Blue Anchor Bay along the Bristol Channel. Watch the video.
Angela Marmont Centre for UK Biodiversity
Discover the Centre for UK Biodiversity. It offers a drop-in identification service, research facilities, and online nature resources. Watch a video and meet the team.
Find out about the Centre for UK Biodiversity
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