Final answer:
When comparing two ecosystems of the same type, the ecosystem that supports a greater number of species is more biodiverse than the ecosystem that supports only a few.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing two ecosystems of the same type, the ecosystem that supports a greater number of species is more biodiverse than the ecosystem that supports only a few. For example, forests, particularly tropical forests, hold more species compared to grasslands or cerrado habitats. This greater biodiversity is associated with a number of benefits, including increased ecosystem function, more pathways for energy flow, nutrient recycling, and overall ecosystem stability and efficiency.
Key factors thought to contribute to higher levels of biodiversity include the sampling-competition effect, where the larger number of species increases the chances of having highly productive species. Diverse species can also result in complementary resource use, allowing the ecosystem to fully exploit environmental conditions. Plus, biodiverse ecosystems are more adept at maintaining soil fertility and reducing nutrient losses over time.
In summary, ecosystems with greater species numbers, such as those found in the tropics closer to the equator, are often more complex and may provide more opportunities for species interactions, coevolution, and specialization. Such ecosystems are said to be more diverse, resilient, and better at ecological functions like energy transfer and nutrient cycling compared to less diverse ecosystems.