Environmental Science
The Relationship Between Biodiversity and Ecosystem Resilience
Quick fact
A classic experiment in Minnesota grasslands showed that plots with more plant species not only recovered faster after a drought but also maintained higher productivity during the drought itself—a direct demonstration of biodiversity boosting resilience.
Why this is interesting
Imagine a forest that can survive a severe drought, a plague of beetles, and a wildfire—all in a single decade. What gives some ecosystems this astonishing toughness while others fall apart?