What is a consequence of losing biodiversity?

The consequence of losing biodiversity is that it threatens the survival of species and can lead to ecosystem imbalances. Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life forms within a given ecosystem, including different species, genetic variations, and ecological processes. When biodiversity is lost, it often disrupts the interdependent relationships among species, which can lead to a decline in population numbers for more vulnerable species.

This loss can create an imbalance in ecosystem functions, as each species plays a specific role in maintaining environmental health—be it through pollination, nutrient cycling, pest control, or other critical functions. When certain species become extinct or their populations decline significantly, the ecosystem can experience cascading effects that diminish its ability to provide vital services and maintain resilience against environmental changes, such as climate change or habitat destruction.

In contrast, increased populations of resilient species, enhanced stability of ecosystems, and lower competition for resources do not accurately reflect the consequences of biodiversity loss. Increased populations of one or two resilient species can indicate a collapse of diversity, rather than an overall health of the ecosystem. Additionally, ecosystems may become less stable and more susceptible to changes due to a lack of diverse species fulfilling their ecological roles.