How does biodiversity affect ecosystem functioning?

How does biodiversity affect ecosystem stability and resilience?

I need help with this please I do not understand anything of these questions.

What does your text say about biodiversity and ecosystems?

Well they explain what carrying capacity, resilience, stability and ecosystem services are.

What I understand is that there are limiting factors wuch as water food space oxygen that when population increases they might be scarce, at this point some individuals die and then equilibrium is achived.

But why does biodiversity help an ecosystem?

https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/biodiversity-and-ecosystem-stability-17059965

Biodiversity refers to the variety of species and their interactions within an ecosystem. It encompasses the different types of plants, animals, microorganisms, and their genetic variations. Now, let's break down how biodiversity affects ecosystem functioning, stability, and resilience:

1. Ecosystem Functioning: Biodiversity plays a crucial role in the functioning of ecosystems. It influences various ecological processes that are essential for the ecosystem's overall health and productivity. For instance:
- Nutrient Cycling: Biodiversity contributes to the cycling of nutrients in the ecosystem. Different species have unique roles in acquiring, transforming, and recycling nutrients, ensuring their availability to other organisms.
- Primary Production: Biodiversity affects the rate of photosynthesis and primary production in an ecosystem. Higher biodiversity often leads to increased plant biomass and overall productivity.
- Trophic Interactions: Biodiversity shapes the intricate food web relationships within an ecosystem. Species interactions such as predation, competition, and symbiosis help maintain balance and regulate populations.
- Resilience to Disturbances: Biodiversity can enhance an ecosystem's resilience by providing functional redundancy. If one species declines or disappears, others with similar ecological roles can compensate, reducing the impact of disturbance on overall ecosystem functioning.

2. Ecosystem Stability and Resilience: Biodiversity also influences the stability and resilience of ecosystems in the following ways:
- Resistance to Invasive Species: Ecosystems with higher biodiversity may have more resistance to invasive species. As the variety of species increases, there is less available niche space for invasive species to establish themselves.
- Disease and Pest Regulation: Biodiversity can help regulate the prevalence and impact of diseases and pests. Certain species may act as natural predators or competitors, preventing the excessive spread of harmful pathogens or pest populations.
- Adaptation to Environmental Changes: Ecosystems with greater biodiversity are more likely to adapt and respond to environmental changes effectively. Higher genetic diversity within species provides more opportunities for adaptation and survival in the face of shifting conditions.

To understand these concepts more deeply, you can explore scientific literature, ecology textbooks, or online resources that delve into biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, stability, and resilience.