Ecology
Diversity
The variety of different types within a system. Biodiversity includes genetic diversity (within species), species diversity (between species), and ecosystem diversity (between ecosystems).
Biological Context
Diversity provides resilience—diverse systems can respond to more challenges. High diversity often indicates ecosystem health. Diversity creates options for future adaptation. However, diversity requires resources to maintain and can reduce efficiency in stable conditions.
Business Application
Organizational diversity: variety in perspectives, skills, products, markets. Diversity enables adaptation to changing conditions but costs more to maintain than homogeneity. The right diversity level depends on environmental stability and the need for innovation.