How is habitat diversity defined?

Habitat diversity is defined as the range of different habitats or ecological niches present in a specific area. This concept emphasizes the variety of environments that can support diverse forms of life, which in turn contributes to the overall biodiversity of an ecosystem. A rich habitat diversity allows for a variety of species to thrive, each adapted to its unique ecological niche, which can improve ecosystem resilience and functionality.

In contrast to the other options, which focus on aspects like species abundance, genetic variation, or overall species count, habitat diversity specifically pertains to the variety of habitats themselves. For example, a region with forests, wetlands, grasslands, and rivers would have high habitat diversity, supporting a wide range of plant and animal life. Thus, the correct answer reflects the essence of how different ecological environments contribute to the richness of biodiversity in any given area.