Why is biodiversity essential for ecosystem productivity?

Biodiversity is fundamental for ecosystem productivity because it ensures a variety of species contribute to ecosystem services. Each species plays a unique role in the ecosystem, such as pollination, nutrient cycling, or providing habitat, which collectively enhances productivity. This variety allows ecosystems to function more efficiently, as different species can utilize resources in diverse ways and adapt to environmental changes.

When numerous species coexist, they can exploit different resources, reducing competition and enhancing overall productivity. For instance, in a biodiverse plant community, various plants may capture sunlight at different efficiencies or access water and nutrients at different soil depths, allowing for a more robust and productive ecosystem. This variety creates resilience against disturbances, ensuring that the ecosystem can maintain productivity even when certain species are impacted by stressors like climate change or disease.