Question

estuaries to bounce back after disturbances and other environmental changes. which of the following best explains why functionally redundant species are important to ecosystem resilience? choose 1 answer: a functionally redundant species occupy different niches, increasing the number of ecosystem functions. b functionally redundant species perform similar roles, ensuring that ecosystem functions continue even if some species are lost. c functionally redundant species compete with each other, reducing the ecosystems ability to recover from disturbance.

Explanation:

• Option A: Functionally redundant species have similar (not different) ecological roles, so they don't occupy different niches to increase functions. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Functionally redundant species perform similar roles. If one species is lost, others with the same role can maintain ecosystem functions, enhancing resilience. This matches the concept.
• Option C: Competition among them wouldn't reduce recovery; instead, redundancy helps recovery. Eliminate C.

Answer:

B. Functionally redundant species perform similar roles, ensuring that ecosystem functions continue even if some species are lost.