Biodiversity found to boost ecosystem stability amid environmental change

A finnish study finds that species-rich ecosystems stay more stable over time, helping nature adapt to climate change and human-driven disruptions

A major research effort led by the University of Helsinki analyzed the distribution of 900 species in Finland over two decades, revealing that biodiversity plays a crucial role in keeping ecosystems stable. Conducted by the Research Centre for Ecological Change, the study looked at how natural communities respond to environmental shifts, including climate change and human activities.

The findings highlight that ecosystems with a wider variety of species are better at withstanding changes over time. This is because different species react differently to environmental stress—when some decline, others can compensate, maintaining overall ecosystem function.

Researchers also discovered that the drivers of stability vary among groups. For some species, simply having a higher number improves resilience, while for others, the functional traits and complementary roles within the community are more critical.

The comprehensive dataset included species such as birds, moths, butterflies, various mammals, and freshwater phytoplankton, making the study one of the most extensive of its kind in Finland.

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