Which term refers to the variation of a species within an ecosystem?

The term that refers to the variation of a species within an ecosystem is biodiversity. Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life in all its forms, including the diversity of species, genetic variations within those species, and the various ecosystems in which they exist. This concept highlights the importance of different species coexisting and the ecological balance they maintain.

Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem resilience, ensuring that ecosystems can adapt to changes such as climate fluctuations or disease outbreaks. It also supports services that are vital for human life, such as pollination of crops, purification of air and water, and decomposition of waste.

While ecological variation refers to differences among populations within an ecosystem, it does not encompass the full spectrum of biological life. Species richness specifically addresses the number of different species in a given area, which is a component of biodiversity but does not capture the full complexity of species variation. Population density, on the other hand, pertains to the number of individuals of a species per unit area and does not relate to the concept of variation within a species.