Question

Write the importance of species diversity in an ecosystem.

Hint:

Maintaining species diversity is crucial for ecosystem health and human well-being.

Answer 1

Step 1: Definition of Species Diversity
Species diversity refers to the variety of species present in an ecosystem, encompassing both the number of species (species richness) and their relative abundance (species evenness).
Step 2: Importance of Species Diversity
1. Ecosystem Stability: High species diversity contributes to the resilience of an ecosystem, allowing it to recover from disturbances such as droughts or floods. 2. Resource Use Efficiency: Diverse species use resources in different ways, making the ecosystem more efficient in terms of energy and nutrient cycling. 3. Enhanced Ecosystem Services: Species diversity supports the production of ecosystem services like pollination, water purification, and carbon sequestration, which are vital for human survival.
Final Answer: Species diversity ensures ecosystem stability, enhances resource use efficiency, and supports vital ecosystem services.