Final answer:
Biodiversity decreases vulnerability to environmental stressors by providing a variety of species with different traits and adaptations. However, the impact of biodiversity on responses to stressors can depend on the nature of the stressor itself.
Step-by-step explanation:
Biodiversity influences the responses to environmental stressors by decreasing vulnerability, provided that the stressor is within the range of tolerable conditions of the species present. This is because high biodiversity means a greater variety of species with different traits and adaptations. Some species may be more resilient or resistant to certain stressors, which can help maintain overall ecosystem health and stability.
For example, in a diverse forest ecosystem, if a particular tree species is susceptible to a disease, other tree species with different genetic traits may be resistant, preventing the disease from wiping out the entire forest.
However, it is important to note that the effect of biodiversity on response to stressors can also depend on the nature of the stressor itself. Some stressors may disproportionately impact certain species or have cascading effects that disrupt entire ecosystems, regardless of their biodiversity.