There is a strong link between ecosystem diversity and resilience. Ecosystems with high biodiversity tend to be more resilient to disturbances, such as:

1. Functional redundancy:

• With a wider range of species, diverse ecosystems have greater functional redundancy. This means that multiple species can perform similar roles within the ecosystem. If one species is lost due to a disturbance, another can fill its niche and maintain the overall functioning of the system.
• For example, in a diverse forest ecosystem with various plant species, if one tree species is decimated by disease, other tree species can continue providing essential functions like oxygen production, carbon sequestration, and soil stabilization.

2. Response diversity:

• High biodiversity allows for a wider range of responses to disturbances. This means that different species can react in different ways to the same event, increasing the chances of some species surviving and contributing to the ecosystem's recovery.
• For instance, in a coral reef with diverse coral species, some may be more resistant to rising temperatures than others. This ensures that even if some coral species die off, others can survive and repopulate the reef over time.

3. Ecological memory:

• Diverse ecosystems often have a longer "ecological memory," meaning they can retain information about past disturbances and use it to respond to future events. This memory is stored in various ways, such as through the presence of long-lived species or changes in soil composition.
• For example, a forest that has experienced a fire in the past may be more resilient to future fires because the fire-resistant species have already been selected for and the soil conditions are more conducive to rapid regeneration.

4. Increased resistance to invasions:

• Diverse ecosystems are often less susceptible to invasions by non-native species. This is because the existing species already occupy most of the available niches and resources, making it difficult for new species to establish themselves.
• For example, a diverse grassland with a variety of grasses and wildflowers is less likely to be overrun by a single invasive weed species than a monoculture of a single grass species.

5. Adaptability to change:

• Biodiversity promotes the adaptability of an ecosystem in the face of long-term environmental changes, such as climate change. As the environment changes, some species will struggle, while others will thrive. The presence of a diverse range of species allows the ecosystem to adapt and adjust its composition to maintain its overall function.
• For example, a coral reef with diverse coral species may be able to adapt to rising sea temperatures if some of the coral species can tolerate the warmer water.

Overall, numerous factors contribute to the increased resilience of diverse ecosystems. The ability to recover from disturbances, adapt to change, and maintain essential functions allows diverse ecosystems to thrive in a dynamic and ever-changing world. This highlights the importance of biodiversity conservation for maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems that provide vital services to humans and other species.

Dr Murtadha Shukur thank you for your contribution to the discussion