Canard Pilet / Northern Pintail ( male )Biodiversity is a term used to describe the variation in genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity. Trends in biodiversity provide indications of the condition of the environment as all species are dependent on a healthy ecosystem and habitat for survival. Currently there exist many threats to biodiversity. While loss of habitat remains the greatest cause of extinction and loss of wildlife, habitat fragmentation, introduction of exotic species (zebra mussels) and overharvesting have also contributed to extinctions and degradation of habitat.