What is one effect of ecosystem resilience on the environment?

Ecosystem resilience refers to the ability of an ecosystem to absorb disturbances and still retain its basic structure and functionality. When an ecosystem has enhanced resilience, it is better equipped to withstand various disturbances such as natural disasters, invasive species, or human impact. This improved capacity helps maintain biodiversity and ecological balance, allowing the ecosystem to recover more quickly and effectively after experiencing stress.

The mechanisms that contribute to enhanced resilience include genetic diversity, species diversity, and the presence of functional groups within the ecosystem that can play different roles in recovery. A resilient ecosystem can slow the impacts of environmental changes and adapt to new conditions, which is vital for maintaining health and productivity over time. This level of response can prevent degradation and promote long-term stability, making resilience a key concept in understanding ecosystem health and management.

The other choices reflect negative attributes that are associated with reduced resilience. Increased fragility, susceptibility to climate change, and worsened habitat fragmentation indicate weaknesses in an ecosystem's ability to cope with stressors, contrasting the benefits associated with resilience.