: 10.62796/pijst
O.N. Nwogbaga, Deparment of Environmental Science, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike,
Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Published Date: 02-02-2025 Issue: Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): February 2025 Published Paper PDF: Download
Abstract- Biodiversity plays a critical role in maintaining the structural and functional stability of ecosystems. It encompasses genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity, each contributing uniquely to ecological resilience and long-term sustainability. Theoretical perspectives such as the portfolio effect and species asynchrony effect illustrate how biodiversity buffers ecosystems against environmental fluctuations by reducing dependence on single species and promoting asynchronous population dynamics. Empirical studies demonstrate that species-rich communities exhibit greater resistance, resilience, and recovery from disturbances, thereby enhancing stability. Mechanisms underlying this relationship include species interactions, nutrient cycling, and ecological resilience, which collectively ensure energy flow, material cycling, and adaptability to disturbances. However, biodiversity loss—driven by habitat destruction, fragmentation, invasive species, and climate change—threatens ecosystem integrity, diminishing ecosystem services essential for human well-being. Conservation strategies such as protected areas, restoration ecology, and sustainable practices mitigate biodiversity decline while supporting ecological stability. Policy frameworks, including the Convention on Biological Diversity and national legislations, provide international and regional approaches to biodiversity management. Emerging research emphasizes multi-trophic perspectives, large-scale datasets, and technological advances to strengthen ecological theory and conservation practice. Thus, biodiversity remains indispensable for ecosystem stability, resilience, and sustainable human futures.
Keywords- Biodiversity, Ecosystem Stability, Species Interactions, Nutrient Cycling, Resilience, Conservation, Policy, Ecological Perspective.
Published Date: 02-02-2025 Issue: Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): February 2025 Published Paper PDF: Download
Abstract- Biodiversity plays a critical role in maintaining the structural and functional stability of ecosystems. It encompasses genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity, each contributing uniquely to ecological resilience and long-term sustainability. Theoretical perspectives such as the portfolio effect and species asynchrony effect illustrate how biodiversity buffers ecosystems against environmental fluctuations by reducing dependence on single species and promoting asynchronous population dynamics. Empirical studies demonstrate that species-rich communities exhibit greater resistance, resilience, and recovery from disturbances, thereby enhancing stability. Mechanisms underlying this relationship include species interactions, nutrient cycling, and ecological resilience, which collectively ensure energy flow, material cycling, and adaptability to disturbances. However, biodiversity loss—driven by habitat destruction, fragmentation, invasive species, and climate change—threatens ecosystem integrity, diminishing ecosystem services essential for human well-being. Conservation strategies such as protected areas, restoration ecology, and sustainable practices mitigate biodiversity decline while supporting ecological stability. Policy frameworks, including the Convention on Biological Diversity and national legislations, provide international and regional approaches to biodiversity management. Emerging research emphasizes multi-trophic perspectives, large-scale datasets, and technological advances to strengthen ecological theory and conservation practice. Thus, biodiversity remains indispensable for ecosystem stability, resilience, and sustainable human futures.
Keywords- Biodiversity, Ecosystem Stability, Species Interactions, Nutrient Cycling, Resilience, Conservation, Policy, Ecological Perspective.
