Which type of ecosystem would be considered most resilient?

A highly diverse and stable ecosystem is considered the most resilient due to its complexity and variety of niches. In such ecosystems, multiple species often interact in varied ways, which can buffer against environmental changes and disturbances. High biodiversity allows for greater adaptability; if one species is negatively impacted, others can fill its ecological role, maintaining the overall function and stability of the ecosystem.

This diversity also leads to varied food webs and interactions, ensuring that energy flow and nutrient cycling can continue even when certain elements are disrupted. Therefore, such ecosystems are better equipped to recover from disturbances such as disease, climate change, or invasive species.

In contrast, simpler ecosystems with fewer species may struggle to adapt to changes because the loss of any key species can significantly disrupt the balance. Ecosystems disturbed by frequent natural events may not have the time or resources to recover effectively before the next disturbance. Lastly, an ecosystem dominated by a single species is vulnerable; if that species is impacted by disease, changing conditions, or competition, the entire ecosystem may collapse, illustrating its lack of resilience.