Biodiversity describes the variety of life on earth. How does biodiversity contribute to the sustainability of an ecosystem?
Question 7 options:
Greater genetic diversity ensures less competition for resources.
Large populations are less likely to be wiped out by a disaster than smaller populations.
Greater genetic diversity within and between species increases the chances of survival despite changes to the ecosystem.
The presence of more members of single-species ensures more protection against disease outbreaks.
Greater genetic diversity within and between species increases the chances of survival despite changes to the ecosystem.
The correct answer is: Greater genetic diversity within and between species increases the chances of survival despite changes to the ecosystem.
Biodiversity plays a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems. When there is greater genetic diversity within and between species, it increases the chances of survival and adaptation to changes in the environment. This diversity provides a wider range of genetic variations, which enables species to better respond to various challenges such as habitat loss, climate change, and disease outbreaks. Therefore, biodiversity helps maintain the stability and resilience of ecosystems.
To determine how biodiversity contributes to the sustainability of an ecosystem, we can analyze the options provided.
Option 1 suggests that greater genetic diversity ensures less competition for resources. However, while genetic diversity can promote variations in traits that allow species to utilize different resources, it does not directly correlate with reduced competition. Therefore, this option does not accurately explain how biodiversity contributes to ecosystem sustainability.
Option 2 states that large populations are less likely to be wiped out by a disaster than smaller populations. This is because larger populations have a higher chance of retaining enough individuals to ensure survival, even if a portion of the population is affected by a disaster. Thus, this option correctly highlights the importance of population size in sustaining an ecosystem.
Option 3 states that greater genetic diversity within and between species increases the chances of survival despite changes to the ecosystem. This option accurately explains the positive role of genetic diversity in enhancing the resilience of an ecosystem. When faced with environmental changes, such as habitat loss or climate change, species with higher genetic diversity are more likely to possess individuals with adaptive traits, which enables them to survive and flourish.
Option 4 suggests that the presence of more members of a single species ensures more protection against disease outbreaks. However, while a higher number of individuals may offer some level of protection against diseases, it does not directly relate to biodiversity. Biodiversity encompasses the variety of species within an ecosystem, not just the number of individuals in a single species.
Therefore, the option that best explains how biodiversity contributes to the sustainability of an ecosystem is option 3: greater genetic diversity within and between species increases the chances of survival despite changes to the ecosystem.