Which term describes the variety of different species in a given area?

Biodiversity is the term that accurately describes the variety of different species within a given area. It encompasses not only the number of species but also the genetic differences within those species and the variety of ecosystems present. High biodiversity is indicative of a healthy ecosystem, as it allows for a greater range of interactions among species and resilience to environmental changes.

The term "diversity" is broader and does not specifically refer to biological contexts. "Population" refers to a group of individuals of the same species living in a particular area, while "ecology" is the study of interactions among living organisms and their environment, rather than the variety of species. Hence, biodiversity specifically encapsulates the richness and complexities of species present in a specific area and is the most appropriate term in this context.