What might be a direct consequence of low biodiversity in an ecosystem?

Low biodiversity in an ecosystem can lead to higher susceptibility to diseases because a lack of diversity means there are fewer species present to buffer against disease outbreaks. When an ecosystem has higher biodiversity, it typically includes a variety of organisms with different roles and functions, which can enhance resilience against pathogens. For example, if numerous species are available, some may possess natural resistance to certain diseases, thus preventing widespread devastation in populations.

When biodiversity is low, however, when one species becomes vulnerable to a disease, there are often no other species to fill that ecological role or support the overall health of the ecosystem. This vulnerability can lead to rapid declines in population numbers and, ultimately, overall ecosystem health, creating a precarious situation where diseases can spread unchecked. This highlights the importance of biodiversity in providing stability and resilience to environmental threats.