What does the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis state about levels of disturbance and species diversity?

The Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis posits that moderate levels of disturbance can enhance species diversity within a community. This is because both very high and very low levels of disturbance tend to reduce diversity. High levels of disturbance can frequently eliminate species or limit the establishment of new ones, while low disturbance levels may lead to competitive exclusion, where a few dominant species outcompete others, thus lowering diversity.

In contrast, intermediate levels of disturbance create opportunities for a variety of species to coexist—some may be able to return quickly after a disturbance while others benefit from the opened niches. This balance allows for a greater variety of species to thrive, as neither competitive exclusion nor constant disruption dominate the ecosystem. Therefore, understanding the dynamics of disturbance and its impact on species diversity is crucial for comprehending ecological communities.