Which of the following is a consequence of biodiversity loss?

Biodiversity loss has significant implications for the health of ecosystems, and one of the most critical consequences is weakened ecosystem resilience. Resilience refers to an ecosystem's ability to recover from disturbances and maintain its functions and services in the face of environmental change or stressors. When biodiversity is reduced, there are fewer species present that can perform essential roles within the ecosystem, which diminishes its ability to withstand and bounce back from disruptions such as climate change, pollution, or invasive species.

A diverse ecosystem typically has a wider range of species that contribute to different ecological functions, such as nutrient cycling, pollination, and habitat structure. When species are lost, the redundancy in these ecological roles is reduced, meaning that the ecosystem becomes more vulnerable to collapse or significant alteration. This diminished capacity to recover can lead to cascading effects, where the loss of one species impacts others, further reducing ecosystem stability and functionality.

In contrast, options that suggest increased stability, productivity, or improved adaptation do not align with the established understanding of how biodiversity functions within an ecosystem. Ecosystems that are biodiverse are generally more productive and stable, but the loss of species does the opposite, highlighting the critical importance of biodiversity for maintaining healthy ecosystems.