Maintaining biodiversity is critically important because when biodiversity declines,

Question

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Biodiversity is directly related to ecosystem productivity. As biodiversity declines, the productivity of the ecosystem also declines. This can have serious consequences for the species relying on the ecosystem.

Answer: B
 Invasive species are able to thrive in ecosystems that have low biodiversity. As a result, maintaining biodiversity can help prevent invasive species from establishing populations and potentially disrupting the balance of an ecosystem.

Answer: C
 There is evidence to suggest that loss of biodiversity can lead to the collapse of human civilizations. This is because biodiversity loss can lead to an erosion of ecosystem services that are critical to human health and well-being, such as clean water, food, and air.

Answer: D
 This statement is not accurate. Naturally occurring nutrients do not accumulate to the point that they become polluting because ecosystems have mechanisms to recycle and regulate nutrients. However, a decline in biodiversity can disrupt these mechanisms and lead to nutrient imbalances that can negatively impact ecosystem health.

Maintaining Biodiversity Is Critically Important Because When Biodiversity Declines