Which of the following is a consequence of biodiversity loss?

Biodiversity loss leads to a decline in ecosystem services, which are the benefits that natural ecosystems provide to humans and the environment. These services include processes such as pollination of crops, water purification, soil fertility, climate regulation, and habitat provision for various species. When biodiversity diminishes, the resilience of ecosystems is compromised, making them less able to adapt to changes like climate fluctuations or disease outbreaks.

For example, a diverse ecosystem has multiple species that can fulfill similar roles, ensuring that if one species declines, others can compensate. However, with reduced biodiversity, the remaining species may not successfully fill the roles of those that are lost. This can lead to decreased productivity and a reduction in essential services, ultimately impacting food security, clean water availability, and overall ecosystem health.

In contrast, options that suggest improved resilience, increased food security, or greater species interactions are generally not outcomes associated with biodiversity loss. Instead, they reflect the opposite effects that healthy, diverse ecosystems can provide.