Which of the following best represents an ecological principle derived from biodiversity?

Higher biodiversity leads to greater ecosystem stability is a principle supported by ecological studies that illustrate how diverse ecosystems can better withstand environmental stresses and disturbances. In ecosystems with a wide variety of species, there are often more complex interactions and relationships that contribute to resilience. For example, diverse plant species can utilize nutrients and light more efficiently, while various animal species can fulfill different roles, such as pollinators, predators, or decomposers, enhancing nutrient cycling and energy flow.

When one species is impacted by a disease, environmental change, or other threats, other species in a biodiverse community can often compensate for the loss, ensuring that the ecosystem continues to function effectively. This is known as the "portfolio effect," where the diversity of species stabilizes the ecosystem because not all species will respond to environmental changes in the same way. A greater number of species also generally increases the genetic diversity within populations, further improving the ability of ecosystems to adapt to changes.

In contrast, ecosystems with low biodiversity lack these complex interactions and may become more vulnerable to collapse when faced with stressors, as there are fewer species to fulfill ecological roles and maintain balance.