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Biodiversity plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance and resilience . Here are some keyways in which biodiversity contributes to ecosystem health : Ecological Stability : Biodiversity helps ecosystems remain stable and resilient to disturbances . A variety of species means that if one population declines due to disease or environmental changes , other species can fill its ecological niche , preventing ecosystem disruption . Food Web Complexity : Biodiversity creates complex food webs with numerous predator-prey relationships . This complexity helps keep populations in check and maintains overall ecosystem balance . Loss of biodiversity can lead to disruptions in these food webs , resulting in cascading effects throughout the ecosystem . Habitat Diversity : Biodiversity drives habitat diversity , providing niches for a wide range of species . Each species contributes to the overall functionality of the ecosystem , from soil fertility to pollination and pest control . Ecosystem Services : Biodiverse ecosystems provide essential services like nutrient cycling , soil formation , and carbon storage . These services underpin ecosystem health and are vital for human well-being . Adaptation and Resilience : High levels of biodiversity enhance ecosystem resilience to environmental changes , such as climate change . With more species contributing to ecosystem functions , there is redundancy built into the system , ensuring that if one species fails , others can step in . Genetic Diversity : Biodiversity includes genetic diversity within species , allowing populations to adapt to changing conditions . This genetic diversity is essential for long-term ecosystem health and adaptation . Evolutionary Potential : Biodiversity represents the Earth's evolutionary potential , with each species contributing unique traits and adaptations . This genetic diversity ensures that life on Earth can continue to evolve in response to future challenges . In summary , biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecosystem balance and resilience . It contributes to the stability , complexity , and functionality of ecosystems , provides vital ecosystem services , and helps ensure the long-term adaptability of life on our planet . Protecting and preserving biodiversity is crucial for safeguarding the health and sustainability of our environment . Biodiversity plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance and resilience , which in turn has significant economic and financial implications . Here are some key economic and financial aspects related to biodiversity . Ecosystem Services : Biodiversity supports a wide range of ecosystem services that benefit the economy and society . These services include pollination of crops , regulation of air and water quality , soil fertility , and flood attenuation . The economic value of these services is substantial and estimates suggest that the global value of ecosystem services ranges from USD 125–145 trillion per year . Agriculture and Food Security : Biodiversity is crucial for agricultural productivity and food security . Diverse ecosystems provide a wide range of agricultural products , including seeds , livestock , and fish , which are essential for global food production . The economic impact of biodiversity loss on agriculture can be significant , leading to reduced productivity , increased vulnerability to pests and diseases , and higher production costs . Health and Medicinal Resources : Biodiversity is a rich source of medicinal resources , with many species providing valuable pharmaceutical products . The economic value of biodiversity-based medicines is substantial , and the discovery of new medicinal compounds from nature continues to be an important area of research . Tourism and Recreation : Biodiversity-rich areas attract tourists and recreational activities , contributing significantly to local economies . The economic impact of wildlife-related tourism alone is estimated to be around USD 120.1 billion globally . Insurance Value : Biodiversity provides an insurance value by safeguarding ecosystems that underpin human survival . Healthy ecosystems can act as a buffer against environmental shocks , reducing the economic cost of disasters and natural calamities . Business Opportunities : Biodiversity conservation can stimulate business opportunities , such as ecotourism , sustainable agriculture , and green infrastructure . These sectors can generate employment , income , and economic growth . Costs of Biodiversity Loss : The economic cost of biodiversity loss is substantial . Estimates suggest that the cost of global biodiversity loss could be equivalent to around 7% of global GDP by 2050 .