Question

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 overall biodiversity in the ecosystem.

Explanation:

• Option A: Functionally redundant species do not occupy different niches to increase functions; they have similar roles, so A is incorrect.
• Option B: Functionally redundant species perform similar ecological roles. If one species is lost, others with the same role can maintain ecosystem functions, which supports resilience. This matches the concept of functional redundancy.
• Option C: Functional redundancy does not reduce biodiversity; instead, it contributes to ecosystem stability, so C is incorrect.

Answer:

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