Why is biodiversity important in ecosystems?

Why is biodiversity important in ecosystems?

• A. Enhances genetic uniformity
• B. Increases ecosystem resilience
• C. Encourages invasive species
• D. Decreases resource variety

Answer: (B)

Biodiversity is fundamental to the health and function of ecosystems. It increases ecosystem resilience, which refers to the ability of an ecosystem to withstand disturbances and recover from various changes, such as climate fluctuations, disease outbreaks, or human impacts. A diverse range of species contributes to various ecological processes and services, such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and pest control. With many different species present, ecosystems can better adapt to changes and recover after disruptions since some species may thrive under new conditions while others may decline. This diversity provides a buffer against the extinction of species that might be vulnerable to specific threats. In essence, more biodiversity leads to greater stability, productivity, and sustainability of ecosystems, making them better equipped to face environmental stresses. The other choices highlight aspects that run contrary to the principles of healthy ecosystems. For example, enhancing genetic uniformity (A) would reduce resilience because it could make populations more susceptible to diseases. Encouraging invasive species (C) disrupts native ecosystems and can lead to decreased biodiversity. Lastly, decreasing resource variety (D) would negatively impact the ability of an ecosystem to provide for different organisms, essentially undermining ecological health.

Biodiversity is fundamental to the health and function of ecosystems. It increases ecosystem resilience, which refers to the ability of an ecosystem to withstand disturbances and recover from various changes, such as climate fluctuations, disease outbreaks, or human impacts. A diverse range of species contributes to various ecological processes and services, such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and pest control.

With many different species present, ecosystems can better adapt to changes and recover after disruptions since some species may thrive under new conditions while others may decline. This diversity provides a buffer against the extinction of species that might be vulnerable to specific threats. In essence, more biodiversity leads to greater stability, productivity, and sustainability of ecosystems, making them better equipped to face environmental stresses.

The other choices highlight aspects that run contrary to the principles of healthy ecosystems. For example, enhancing genetic uniformity (A) would reduce resilience because it could make populations more susceptible to diseases. Encouraging invasive species (C) disrupts native ecosystems and can lead to decreased biodiversity. Lastly, decreasing resource variety (D) would negatively impact the ability of an ecosystem to provide for different organisms, essentially undermining ecological health.