What is the primary role of biodiversity in environmental health?

Biodiversity plays a crucial role in environmental health primarily by contributing to ecosystem resilience. Ecosystems that are rich in biodiversity are better equipped to withstand and recover from disturbances such as climate change, natural disasters, and human activities. This resilience means that a diverse array of species can support ecological functions, such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and water purification, ultimately leading to healthier environments.

When ecosystems have a variety of species, they are also more likely to adapt to changes and shocks, helping to maintain balance within the environment. This stability is fundamental for providing the services that humans rely on, such as clean air, water, and food resources. In contrast, ecosystems with low biodiversity are often more vulnerable to collapse when faced with environmental stressors.

The other options suggest benefits that are either not direct outcomes of biodiversity or are negative impacts that do not relate to its primary role. While issues like healthcare services, climate change impacts, or pollution are relevant to environmental health, they do not encapsulate the primary function of biodiversity itself, which is fundamentally about sustaining ecosystem health and resilience.