Biodiversity, which refers to the variety of living organisms in an ecosystem, plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem stability and resilience. Here’s how:

1. Functional Redundancy:
   • Ecosystems with higher biodiversity tend to have a greater number of species that can perform similar ecological functions.
   • This functional redundancy means that if one species is lost, other species can step in and fulfill that role, maintaining the overall functioning of the ecosystem.
2. Response Diversity:
   • Different species within an ecosystem often have varying responses to environmental changes and disturbances.
   • Higher biodiversity ensures that there are multiple species that can respond differently to the same environmental stressor, increasing the ecosystem’s ability to withstand and recover from disturbances.
3. Niche Complementarity:
   • Species in a diverse ecosystem often occupy different ecological niches, meaning they utilize resources in unique ways.
   • This niche complementarity allows the ecosystem to more efficiently use the available resources, reducing competition and increasing overall productivity.
4. Resilience to Invasive Species:
   • Ecosystems with higher biodiversity are generally more resistant to the establishment and spread of invasive species.
   • The diverse community of native species is better equipped to outcompete and suppress the growth of invasive species, maintaining the ecosystem’s stability.
5. Ecosystem Services:
   • Diverse ecosystems provide a wide range of ecosystem services, such as nutrient cycling, water purification, carbon sequestration, and the regulation of natural processes.
   • These services contribute to the overall stability and resilience of the ecosystem, benefiting both the environment and human well-being.