What is an advantage of increasing biodiversity within an ecosystem?

Increasing biodiversity within an ecosystem enhances ecosystem stability, which is essential for its overall health and functionality. A diverse array of species contributes to a broader range of interactions within the ecosystem, which helps to create more resilient systems that can withstand and recover from disturbances such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or climate change.

When an ecosystem has high biodiversity, it often means that there are a variety of species occupying different niches, which allows for overlapping functions and resources. This redundancy ensures that if one species is affected by a change in the environment, others can maintain critical processes, thereby supporting ecosystem services like pollination, nutrient cycling, and habitat provision.

Higher biodiversity also tends to enhance productivity and stability as varied species can respond differently to changes, meaning some may thrive while others may decline, which helps to maintain overall ecosystem function. In contrast, ecosystems with low biodiversity are often more fragile and less capable of adapting to changes, leading to significant declines in ecosystem services and health. Thus, increased biodiversity is a key factor in fostering stronger, more stable ecosystems.