How does increased biodiversity affect ecosystems?

Increased biodiversity plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem stability and function. When a variety of species inhabit an ecosystem, each one contributes unique interactions and functions, which enhances the overall resilience of the ecosystem. This resilience is the ability of the ecosystem to absorb disturbances while still maintaining its essential structure and processes.

For instance, in a diverse ecosystem, if one species is affected by disease or environmental change, others can fill that role or provide similar functions, thus preventing a collapse or severe disruption in the ecosystem services provided. Biodiversity also enhances productivity and increases the chances of species adapting to changes, which helps ecosystems cope with stressors like climate change or habitat destruction.

In contrast, a lack of biodiversity can lead to vulnerability, reduced adaptability, and a greater likelihood of ecosystem failure, as seen in ecosystems with low diversity that may be dominated by one or a few species. Hence, the ability of diverse systems to respond to changes and recover from disturbances underscores why increased biodiversity is linked to heightened resilience in ecosystems.