Which of the following contributes to ecosystem resilience?

Biodiversity is a key factor in contributing to ecosystem resilience. An ecosystem with a diverse array of species tends to be more stable and better able to withstand environmental stressors, such as climate change, natural disasters, diseases, and habitat alterations. The presence of multiple species enhances ecological processes, including nutrient cycling, pollination, and pest control, all of which support the overall health and sustainability of an ecosystem.

High biodiversity allows for redundancy among species, meaning that if one species is affected by a disturbance, others can fill its role. This functional diversity ensures that the ecosystem continues to operate effectively, thereby maintaining its resilience. Moreover, ecosystems rich in biodiversity are often more adaptive to changes, allowing them to evolve and function under different conditions over time.

While other options such as monoculture farming, overexploitation of resources, and pollution accumulation generally lead to reduced resilience by degrading ecosystems and limiting their ability to recover from disturbances, they contrast sharply with the principles behind biodiversity's role in fostering strong and resilient ecosystems.