In terms of biodiversity, how can speciation impact ecosystems?

Speciation fundamentally contributes to biodiversity by increasing the number of distinct species within an ecosystem. As new species evolve from a common ancestor, they fill different ecological niches, which promotes a more complex and resilient ecosystem. This diversification allows for more interactions among organisms, such as predation, competition, and symbiosis, leading to enhanced stability and overall ecosystem health.

Increased species diversity can also enhance ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling, pollination, and energy flow, ultimately making ecosystems more robust in the face of environmental changes or disturbances. Therefore, the process of speciation supports the growth of biodiversity, which is crucial for maintaining balanced and thriving ecosystems.