How does loss of biodiversity affect ecosystem resilience?

The loss of biodiversity significantly weakens ecosystems' ability to recover from disturbances. Biodiversity, which includes the variety of species, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity, plays a crucial role in maintaining the resilience of ecosystems. A diverse array of species often means that there are multiple organisms capable of performing similar ecological functions. This redundancy ensures that if one species is lost or severely impacted by a disturbance, others can take over its role, thereby supporting the overall stability and function of the ecosystem.

When biodiversity is reduced, ecosystems become more vulnerable to disturbances such as climate change, invasive species, pollution, and natural disasters. A less diverse ecosystem may lack the necessary components to recover effectively, making it more susceptible to degradation and collapse. Additionally, diverse ecosystems are better equipped to adapt to changing conditions, further enhancing their resilience over time.

The other options do not capture this critical relationship and its implications for ecosystem dynamics. While some may suggest that reduced biodiversity could lead to faster evolutionary changes, this is not necessarily a positive outcome for ecosystem resilience. Instead, it typically signifies a compromised ecological structure that may struggle to sustain its functions amidst environmental changes or pressures.