Which aspect of diversity is crucial for ecosystem resilience?

Ecosystem resilience refers to the ability of an ecosystem to withstand disturbances and still retain its essential functions and structure. The correct answer emphasizes that all aspects of diversity—habitat, species, and genetic—play vital roles in contributing to this resilience.

Habitat diversity is critical because a variety of habitats within an ecosystem can support different kinds of organisms, providing various niches that enhance overall ecosystem functionality. When diverse habitats exist, they allow for a broader range of species to coexist, which can improve the ecosystem’s responses to changes or disruptions.

Species diversity is also essential as it ensures that a variety of organisms can fulfill different roles within the ecosystem, such as producers, consumers, and decomposers. A diverse range of species can increase the chances of survival for the ecosystem under stress because if one species is affected by a disturbance, others can maintain the system's operations.

Genetic diversity is important at the level of individual species, as it enables populations to adapt to changing environmental conditions. A genetically diverse population is more likely to survive diseases, changes in climate, and other environmental stresses, as some individuals will carry traits that may be advantageous under those conditions.

The synergy of these three forms of diversity creates a robust ecological framework that allows ecosystems to adapt, recover