EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Greater biodiversity in ecosystems, species, and individuals leads to greater stability. For example, species with high genetic diversity and many populations that are adapted to a wide variety of conditions are more likely to be able to weather disturbances, disease, and climate change.

Detailed explanation-2: -The two key components of ecosystem stability are resilience and resistance. Resistance is an ecosystem’s ability to remain stable when confronted with a disturbance. Resilience is the speed at which an ecosystem recovers from a disturbance.

Detailed explanation-3: -Increasing species diversity can influence ecosystem functions-such as productivity-by increasing the likelihood that species will use complementary resources and can also increase the likelihood that a particularly productive or efficient species is present in the community.

Detailed explanation-4: -Biodiversity is the key indicator of the health of an ecosystem. A wide variety of species will cope better with threats than a limited number of them in large populations. Even if certain species are affected by pollution, climate change or human activities, the ecosystem as a whole may adapt and survive.

Detailed explanation-5: -Ecosystem stability is the ability of an ecosystem to maintain a steady state, even after a stress or disturbance has occurred.