Which benefit does biodiversity provide to ecosystems?

• A. Reduced species interaction
• B. Increased susceptibility to diseases
• C. Enhanced ecosystem resilience
• D. Lesser resource competition

Answer: (C)

Biodiversity plays a crucial role in enhancing ecosystem resilience. A biodiverse ecosystem is characterized by a wide variety of species, each playing unique roles that contribute to the overall functioning and stability of that ecosystem. When disturbances such as natural disasters, climate change, or human activities occur, ecosystems with higher biodiversity are better equipped to adapt and recover.

This resilience stems from the presence of various species that can fulfill similar ecological roles, allowing for functional redundancy. If one species is affected by a disturbance, others can step in to maintain ecosystem processes, such as nutrient cycling, pollination, and habitat structure. Furthermore, diverse ecosystems tend to have more complex interactions among species, which can lead to more stable ecosystems capable of withstanding environmental changes.

In contrast, reduced species interactions, increased susceptibility to diseases, and lesser resource competition would not contribute positively to the resilience of ecosystems. Rather, these conditions can lead to a more fragile ecosystem that may struggle to cope with challenges. Hence, the answer highlighting enhanced ecosystem resilience accurately reflects one of the key benefits provided by biodiversity.