Define biodiversity.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. This encompasses not just the number of different species present but also the genetic diversity within those species and the variety of ecosystems themselves. High biodiversity in an ecosystem often leads to greater resilience and stability, as diverse species can fulfill various roles in the ecosystem and adapt to changing conditions.

While the number of species in a specific location is an important aspect of biodiversity, it is a narrower definition that does not encompass the broader idea of variety. Total biomass represents the total mass of living organisms in a given area or volume, but it does not account for the diversity of species. The distribution of organisms across the globe focuses more on geographic patterns rather than the abundance and variety of life within specific ecosystems. Thus, the chosen answer captures the essence of what biodiversity truly signifies.