How does high biodiversity affect ecosystem stability?

High biodiversity plays a crucial role in enhancing ecosystem stability. When an ecosystem has a wide variety of species, it ensures that different functions and processes are maintained, which increases the overall resilience of the ecosystem. This resilience allows ecosystems to better withstand and recover from environmental changes, such as climate shifts, natural disasters, and human impacts like pollution.

Each species in a biodiverse ecosystem can contribute uniquely to processes such as nutrient cycling, pollination, and habitat formation. In the face of disturbances, ecosystems with high biodiversity can rely on different species to fill roles that may otherwise be disrupted, ensuring that critical functions continue despite the loss or decline of specific populations. This redundancy of roles among species contributes to a more stable ecosystem that can adapt to changes and recover from disturbances more effectively.

Furthermore, ecosystems rich in biodiversity tend to be more productive and efficient in resource use, leading to better overall health and stability. This reflects how interconnected species are, emphasizing the importance of maintaining biodiversity to promote robust ecosystems that can endure various challenges. Thus, the assertion that high biodiversity increases resilience and stability, allowing ecosystems to withstand environmental changes, accurately captures the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem health.