Functional diversity is a concept used in ecology to describe the variety of different roles or functions that species within a community perform. It refers to the diversity of traits and characteristics that organisms have, which enable them to interact with their environment in different ways. This diversity of functions can influence ecosystem processes and stability, as well as overall ecosystem health and resilience. Functional diversity is often studied in relation to biodiversity, as it provides a more nuanced understanding of how different species contribute to ecosystem functioning. Researchers may measure functional diversity by examining traits such as feeding habits, reproductive strategies, and habitat preferences among species within a community.