Describe how biological diversity is increased by the origin of new species and how it is decreased by the natural process of extinction.

Biological diversity is the variety of species in a given area. If a new species is added there are more species and therefor greater biological diversity and if one goes extinct there are less species and therefore less biological diversity.

Answered by Kytten | 2024-06-10

The origin of new species , also known as speciation, increases biological diversity by adding new species to the tree of life.
How does speciation occur?
**Speciation **can occur through a variety of mechanisms , including:
Geographic isolation: When populations of a species are separated by a geographic barrier , such as a mountain range or a river, they can evolve independently. Over time, the two populations may become so different that they can no longer interbreed, and they become two distinct species.
Natural selection: Natural selection is the process by which individuals with traits that are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, natural selection can lead to the evolution of new species.
Hybridization : Hybridization is the process by which two different species interbreed. The offspring of hybrids may have new traits that are not found in either parent species. In some cases, these new traits can be so different that the offspring are considered to be a new species.
**Extinction **decreases biological diversity by removing species from the tree of life. When a species goes extinct, all of the unique genes and traits that it possesses are lost forever.
Find out more on biological diversity here; https://brainly.com/question/11542363
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Answered by lhnnennaanekwe | 2024-06-18

Biological diversity increases through speciation, where new species arise due to geographic isolation, natural selection, or hybridization. Conversely, extinction reduces biodiversity by permanently removing species and their unique genetic traits from ecosystems. The balance between these processes is essential for the health of our planet's biodiversity.
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Answered by lhnnennaanekwe | 2024-10-14