Chapter 19: Problem 18

Give some of the reasons why biodiversity infers more stable, efficient, and sustainable ecosystems.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Biodiversity promotes more stable, efficient, and sustainable ecosystems because it leads to a balance of organisms, minimizes competition by allowing different organisms to specialize in different resources, and supports a wide variety of ecological functions and services.

Step by step solution

Define Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in an area determined by the number of different species. This includes the genetic diversity within species, as well as the variety of ecosystems.

Explain Stability in Biodiverse Systems

A diverse ecosystem is more stable as it has a variety of species with different roles. These species can compensate for each other should one species be affected negatively. This balance of organisms promotes stability as the ecosystem can continue to function even under disturbances.

Demonstrate Efficiency in Biodiverse Ecosystems

In terms of efficiency, biodiversity enables more efficient use of resources as different organisms tend to specialize in different resources or utilize them in different ways. This specialization reduces competition and promotes coexistence thereby leading to ecosystem efficiency.

What Makes Biodiverse Ecosystems Sustainable

Biodiversity promotes sustainability as a diverse range of species can support a wider variety of ecological functions and services, such as nutrient cycling, pollination, and decomposition. All these factors contribute to a self-sustaining ecosystem that can recover from disruptions and change.

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Give some of the reasons why biodiversity infers more stable, efficient, and sustainable ecosystems.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define Biodiversity

Explain Stability in Biodiverse Systems

Demonstrate Efficiency in Biodiverse Ecosystems

What Makes Biodiverse Ecosystems Sustainable

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