Question

How can an increase in biodiversity lead to an increase in ecosystem stability?
a.
A more biodiverse ecosystem is not subject to change.
b.
A more biodiverse ecosystem has a higher chance of adapting to species changes.
c.
A more biodiverse ecosystem has fewer species types to balance.
d.
A more biodiverse ecosystem is subject to fewer natural disasters.

Answer 1

Correct answer: b.

Explanation: Greater biodiversity increases the likelihood that some species can fulfill critical roles if others decline (functional redundancy) and that different species will respond differently to disturbances, so the ecosystem can better absorb changes and recover. Options a, c, and d are incorrect: ecosystems still change; increased biodiversity means more, not fewer, species; and biodiversity doesn't prevent natural disasters (though it can help mitigate their impacts).