How does biodiversity contribute to ecosystem resilience?

Biodiversity contributes to ecosystem resilience primarily by providing a wider range of genetic variability. This genetic variability within and among species allows ecosystems to adapt to changing environmental conditions, diseases, and other stresses. Greater genetic diversity ensures that some individuals within a population may possess traits that allow them to survive and thrive under new conditions, enhancing the chances of the entire population’s survival.

When ecosystems face disturbances such as climate change, invasive species, or habitat destruction, greater biodiversity often results in a more robust and adaptable ecosystem. Diverse ecosystems are better equipped to maintain functionality and recover from such disturbances, as the various species can fulfill different ecological roles and support one another, leading to greater stability.

In contrast, options that suggest increasing competition among species or reducing ecological interactions would generally lead to weakened resilience, as these dynamics can limit the ability of populations to adapt to changes. Similarly, maintaining low population densities might not support a diverse set of functions necessary for stability in an ecosystem, therefore failing to enhance resilience.