Answer: Biodiversity is the biggest contributing factor to the sustainability of an ecosystem.
Explanation: The sustainability of an ecosystem is influenced by a variety of factors, but perhaps the most important contributing factor is biodiversity. Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms within an ecosystem and their interactions with each other and with the non-living components of their environment.
Biodiversity provides resilience to ecosystems by increasing their ability to withstand environmental changes and disturbances, such as climate change, natural disasters, and human activities. A diverse ecosystem has a greater range of species and genetic diversity, which allows for greater adaptability and flexibility in the face of environmental pressures.
Furthermore, biodiversity is essential to the functioning of ecosystems, as each species plays a unique role in nutrient cycling, pollination, seed dispersal, and other vital ecological processes. The loss of even a single species can have cascading effects throughout the ecosystem, leading to imbalances and decreased sustainability.
Therefore, maintaining and enhancing biodiversity is critical for the long-term sustainability of ecosystems. This can be achieved through measures such as habitat preservation, restoration, and sustainable resource use.