Why is biodiversity important for ecosystem resilience?

Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem resilience because it enhances productivity and stability. In ecosystems with a high level of biodiversity, there are numerous species that can perform various roles, such as producers, consumers, and decomposers. This variety of life contributes to the overall functioning of the ecosystem by promoting productivity; more diverse ecosystems are often more efficient in resource use, leading to higher levels of biomass and productivity.

Furthermore, a diverse ecosystem is generally more stable in the face of environmental changes and disturbances. If one species is affected by disease, changing climate, or human activity, other species can play a role in maintaining ecosystem functions and services. Such redundancy in functions allows ecosystems to adapt and recover more quickly from disturbances, thereby enhancing resilience. Increased biodiversity ensures that ecosystems can provide essential services, such as clean water, air purification, and soil fertility, even in the face of challenges.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the role of biodiversity in ecosystem resilience. For instance, reducing the need for species interactions, simplifying food webs, or ensuring uniformity in species populations do not contribute positively to the stability and productivity of ecosystems. Instead, these aspects tend to weaken the interconnectedness and adaptive capacity of ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to changes.