Why is "diversity" automatically seen as being a "good thing"?

I mean, I can understand why biodiversity is important, but I'm speaking generally here. Would the world really end if everyone were basically the same, or at least similar in all the major attributes (like height, weight, intelligence)?

Update: A few people have mentioned the importance of genetic diversity, and yes, I agree with that, I agree that a case can be made for its importance, but I was thinking more along the lines of diversity in general, as a concept. People seem to just lazily assume it to be a "good thing", and very few seem to question whether, for example (and this is just an example), a diverse workplace is inherently good. Why is that? Why the unquestioning acceptance of an idea that hasn't really even been defined properly?

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Richard65 · M

Diversity also encompasses culture, so countries would be a lot less interesting if everyone just looked similar and followed similar customs or ideologies. The West has learned a lot from other cultures. We gained maths from other cultures, because those other cultures thought differently from us. Even Greek philosophy and the foundation of democracy inspired philosophical ideas in Muslim nations, so it's a two-way street. Of course, we don't always agree with some cultural mores, and that can cause friction. But, overall, we've benefitted enormously from diversity and diverse ideas about life and society. We've learned from the Arabs and Chinese. They have learned from us in the West, so such interaction needs to continue in order to maintain a healthy pool of influence.