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  • Can you think of a scientific explanation, besides analogy used by Paul Ehrlich, for the direct relationship between diversity and stability of an ecosystem?

Can you think of a scientific explanation, besides analogy used by Paul Ehrlich, for the direct relationship between diversity and stability of an ecosystem?

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An ecosystem works on continuous exchange and interdependencies among various components. All living beings depend on various abiotic factors to obtain raw materials and energy. Producers depend on soil, air and sunlight to produce food. Primary consumers depend on producers for food. Secondary consumers depend on primary consumers for food. Now let us consider the following scenario.

Imagine two herbivores A and B. Animal A can feed on a variety of plants, while animal B can feed on only one plant. If the sole plant that is eaten by animal B is somehow wiped out from the area, then animal B will also face extinction. However, the loss of a few plant species will not pose any danger to the existence of animal A. This shows the advantage of diversity in terms of available plants for animal A.

The above logic applies to other organisms as well. This means that if there is rich biodiversity in the ecosystem, then primary and secondary productivity is at an optimum level. This helps in maintaining stability in the ecosystem.

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