Why is it important to conserve the biodiversity of Earth?

Conserving the biodiversity of Earth is crucial primarily because it increases the stability of ecosystems during environmental changes. Biodiversity ensures that ecosystems can withstand and recover from various stresses, such as climate change, natural disasters, and human activities. A diverse range of species contributes to ecosystem resilience by fulfilling different roles—from pollination and nutrient cycling to providing food and habitat. When a variety of species are present, ecosystems are more adaptable and can maintain functions even when some species are affected by changes.

A loss of biodiversity can lead to weakened ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to disruption and less capable of providing essential services that humans rely on, such as clean water, food security, and carbon sequestration. Maintaining diversity helps ensure that ecosystems remain robust and can continue to thrive in the face of environmental challenges.

The other options do not accurately reflect the positive impacts of biodiversity on ecosystems. Reducing predator populations or altering ocean currents would negatively affect ecosystem dynamics, while increasing nonrenewable resources in the lithosphere does not relate to biodiversity conservation and can often have detrimental environmental impacts. Thus, emphasizing the positive role of biodiversity in enhancing ecosystem stability during changes highlights its importance effectively.