Which of the following statements is true regarding species interactions in a diverse ecosystem?

In a diverse ecosystem, species interactions often play a crucial role in enhancing balance and stability. This is because a variety of species can interact in multiple ways—such as through predation, mutualism, and competition—creating complex relationships that contribute to ecosystem resilience. For instance, beneficial interactions like pollination and seed dispersal can help maintain plant populations, while predation can regulate species abundance, preventing any one species from dominating and ensuring that resources remain available for a variety of organisms.

Diversity in ecosystems helps to ensure that different species fulfill various ecological roles, contributing to a more stable ecosystem overall. In times of environmental stress—such as climate change or natural disasters—a diverse ecosystem can better withstand and adapt to changes, as different species may respond differently to challenges. This resilience is key to maintaining biodiversity itself, as stable ecosystems can support a larger variety of life forms.

In contrast, increased competition generally indicates that resources are limited, which may lead to less stability rather than enhancement. The idea that diverse interactions reduce species numbers contradicts the principle that biodiversity is often crucial for ecosystem health. Lastly, species interactions themselves do not directly lead to habitat destruction; rather, human activity is a more common driver of such destruction.