How does biodiversity enhance ecosystem stability?

Biodiversity enhances ecosystem stability primarily by providing a greater variety of functions and services. When multiple species coexist in an ecosystem, they contribute to a wider range of ecological roles and processes. Each species can occupy different niches, allowing them to utilize various resources more efficiently. This diversity ensures that ecosystems can maintain their functioning under stressors such as environmental changes, disease outbreaks, or extreme weather events.

For example, in a diverse ecosystem, if one species is negatively affected by a change, other species can compensate for its loss, ensuring that essential functions—such as nutrient cycling, pollination, and energy flow—continue to operate effectively. Thus, ecosystems characterized by high biodiversity tend to be more resilient and better able to withstand disturbances, leading to greater stability overall.