What effect does greater diversity in an ecosystem typically have?

Greater biodiversity in an ecosystem generally enhances stability and resilience. This means that ecosystems with a wider variety of species are better able to withstand environmental stresses such as climate change, disease outbreaks, and habitat destruction. Diverse ecosystems can better adapt to changes because they contain a range of species that perform different roles; when some species are affected by a disturbance, others can fill in and maintain the overall function of the ecosystem.

Such resilience is crucial in maintaining ecosystem services, such as nutrient cycling, pollination, and pest control, which are essential for human well-being. Biodiversity can also contribute to a greater variety of genetic resources, which can be invaluable for adaptation and survival.

In contrast, other options suggest various negative effects of diversity, such as decreased resilience and increased predation, which do not align with the recognized ecological principle that biodiversity tends to promote stability and functionality in ecosystems.