Understanding Biodiversity
Professor: Good morning, class. Today we are going to discuss the importance of biodiversity. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. It encompasses different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the genetic differences within these species. It's essential for maintaining the balance of our ecosystems and provides numerous benefits to humanity, including food security, climate stability, and medicinal resources.
Now, if we consider the loss of biodiversity, this can lead to significant consequences. For instance, when species go extinct, it can disrupt the food chain and affect other species that rely on them for survival. Hence, conservation efforts must be a priority to protect endangered species and their habitats.
Note: This question has been adapted from its original format to accommodate a reading-based version. In the official TOEFL exam, speaking and listening sections require verbal responses and audio prompts, which are not represented here. Please note that this adaptation may not fully reflect the nature or difficulty of the official exam. The audio feature for these sections will be available soon.