What is a significant outcome of zero population growth?

The concept of zero population growth refers to a condition in which the number of people in a given population remains constant over time, often because the birth rate equals the death rate. One significant outcome of this phenomenon is the stabilization of an ecosystem.

When a population reaches zero population growth, it can lead to a more balanced use of resources within that ecosystem. As population sizes stabilize, the pressure on local resources—such as food, water, and habitat—diminishes, allowing for greater ecological balance. This balance is critical for maintaining biodiversity and the overall health of ecosystems. Stable populations can also reduce the impact on ecosystems, therefore promoting species diversity and resilience.

In contrast, other options suggest outcomes that are not directly linked to zero population growth. Increased biodiversity is often a result of stable ecosystems, rather than a direct outcome of population stability itself. Resource depletion typically occurs in rapidly growing populations that outstrip available resources, while the growth of pioneer species is more about ecological succession than population stabilization. Thus, the stabilization of an ecosystem is the most fitting outcome associated with zero population growth.