Prepared by R.R. Donnelley Financial -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 333-31056 and 333-75396) pertaining to the 1994 Employee Incentive and Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, the 1997 Equity Incentive Plan, the 1999 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan and the 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Diversa Corporation, of our report dated January 25, 2002 with respect to the financial statements of Diversa Corporation included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2001.