What does biodiversity correlate with in terms of ecosystem health?

Biodiversity is a vital aspect of ecosystem health and it correlates most strongly with stability. A diverse ecosystem, which includes a wide variety of species, is typically more resilient to disturbances such as climate change, invasive species, and natural disasters. With a higher number of species, there are more complex interactions and relationships within the ecosystem, which can promote stability. These interactions often help to maintain balance among different populations, prevent any one species from dominating, and support various ecosystem processes, such as nutrient cycling and energy flow.

In contrast, ecosystems with low biodiversity may exhibit instability. For instance, if a single species is responsible for a critical ecosystem function and it faces a decline due to disease or environmental change, the entire system can collapse. Therefore, biodiversity acts as a buffer against changes and stresses, enhancing the overall health and persistence of the ecosystem.