Which of the following statements about biodiversity is true? a. changes to biodiversity always positively affect an ecosystem. b. changes to biodiversity always negatively affect an ecosystem. c. changes to biodiversity can positively and negatively affect on an ecosystem. d. changes to biodiversity never affect an ecosystem.

The correct answer is c. Changes to biodiversity can positively and negatively affect on an ecosystem.

Biodiversity is defined as the sum total of variety of living organisms (say plants, animals, insects etc.) in a particular area.

Biodiversity serves various functions to the ecosystem such as it increases the stability of the ecosystem, it increases the production of the ecosystem, helps in proper cycling of the nutrients etc.

Changes in the biodiversity can affect the ecosystem both in positive and negative manner. The loss of biodiversity certainly have negative effects on the ecosystem. It disturb the ecosystem and decreases its stability.

However, natural changes to the biodiversity such as changes caused by natural selection, genetic drift, etc could increase the stability of the ecosystem.

For example, natural evolution of species in an environment which can decompose plastic will be the advantage to the ecosystem.