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How does a decrease in biodiversity impact an ecosystem?

Every species has its particular niche role and function in an ecosystem. Depending on which species is being lost, the impact can be small or very significant. For example, if we lose a particular species of wolf that is more adept at tracking their prey (say through scent), then the prey will have lost their most significant predator and would grow in numbers. This will cause an over-predation of plant materials and will enable this prey species to outnumber other herbivorous species, thereby changing the dynamics of the ecosystem.


Overall the loss of biodiversity means genetic variations are lost and the overall genetic pool reduces. It has also been estimated that the loss of biodiversity may cause a significant reduction in the productivity of the ecosystem, and the effects could be severe enough to rival climate change.


Hope this helps. 

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