Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms: the different plants, animals and microorganisms, the genes they contain, and the ecosystems they form. 

The process of evolution means that the pool of living diversity is dynamic. It increases when new genetic variation is produced, a new species is created or a novel ecosystem formed; it decreases when the genetic variation within a species decreases, a species becomes extinct or an ecosystem complex is lost. The concept emphasises the interrelated nature of the living world and its processes.

Fire is a significant agent of disturbance for biodiversity values. Many plant species are adapted to such disturbance and have evolved a variety of coping mechanisms from hard coated seeds to the ability to re-sprout after fire. Other biodiversity values can be lost for ever from a fire disturbance event.

Fire is an essential component of many ecosystems, a natural instrument for maintaining biodiversity and a tool that allows many native species to survive, particularly in Australia. 

Research found in this area of this site examines the effect of fire on the ecology and biodiversity of a region.  It covers a broad range of topics including the effect of climate change on fire regimes, water catchment management, wood plantations and ecosystems.