Why is biodiversity important in ecosystems?

Biodiversity plays a crucial role in enhancing ecosystem productivity and resilience. A diverse range of species ensures that ecosystems can perform various functions more effectively, such as nutrient cycling, pollination, and control of pests and diseases. Each species contributes uniquely to these processes, allowing the ecosystem to be more stable and capable of recovering from disturbances, such as extreme weather or disease outbreaks.

When biodiversity is high, ecosystems are typically more productive because different species can utilize resources in complementary ways, leading to more efficient resource use. This diversity creates a buffer against changes in the environment; if one species is affected by a change (like climate fluctuations or habitat destruction), others may be able to maintain function and stability within the ecosystem. Thus, biodiversity is fundamentally important to maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems.