What is the significance of biodiversity?

Biodiversity holds great significance for ecosystems and the environment. The correct answer highlights that biodiversity enhances ecosystem resilience and stability. When a wide variety of species exist within an ecosystem, it becomes more resilient to disturbances such as diseases, climate change, and human activities. Different species often perform various roles within their environments, contributing to processes such as nutrient cycling and pollination. This interconnectedness means that if one species is affected by a disturbance, others can potentially fill its role, thus maintaining the function of the ecosystem.

When ecosystems possess high biodiversity, they can better withstand and recover from adverse conditions. This adaptive capacity is crucial for sustaining ecosystem services that humans rely on, such as clean water, food production, and carbon storage.

In contrast, other choices do not effectively capture the importance of biodiversity in the same way. While increasing the number of species in an area contributes to biodiversity, it does not address the functional benefits that biodiversity provides. Promoting competition between species and limiting genetic variation in populations can lead to detrimental effects in ecosystems. Thus, the focus on resilience and stability emphasizes the fundamental role of biodiversity in maintaining healthy and functioning ecosystems.