HESI A2 Science Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Prep

Biodiversity plays a crucial role in enhancing ecosystem resilience and stability. An ecosystem rich in biodiversity can respond better to environmental changes and disturbances, such as natural disasters, climate change, and disease outbreaks. This variety of species means that there are multiple organisms that can fulfill similar ecological roles, which allows the ecosystem to maintain its functions even when some species are lost. For instance, if a particular species is affected by a disease, other species can take its place, ensuring that processes like pollination, nutrient cycling, and habitat provision continue. Furthermore, diverse ecosystems tend to support more complex food webs, which contributes to overall stability.

The other options do not accurately reflect the benefits of biodiversity. For instance, reducing the number of predator species does not contribute to ecosystem health and can lead to imbalances. Limiting the types of plants that can grow contradicts the essence of biodiversity, which is about variety and richness in species. Decreasing competition between species is not an inherent benefit of biodiversity; rather, competition can lead to natural selection and the adaptation of species, which ultimately contributes to the dynamic balance of ecosystems.