A healthy, balanced ecosystem has _______.

• A. only one dominant species
• B. high biodiversity and stable populations
• C. constant environmental disturbances
• D. no interactions between organisms

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of a balanced ecosystem: A balanced ecosystem is one where all living organisms interact with each other and their environment in a way that maintains stability and sustainability over time.
2. Recognize the importance of biodiversity: High biodiversity means a wide variety of species are present, which contributes to the resilience and stability of the ecosystem. This diversity allows ecosystems to recover from disturbances and adapt to changes.
3. Analyze the role of stable populations: Stable populations indicate that species are thriving without overpopulation or extinction, maintaining equilibrium in the ecosystem's food web and nutrient cycles.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: A balanced ecosystem does not have only one dominant species, as this would reduce biodiversity. It also does not experience constant environmental disturbances, as these would disrupt stability. Lastly, interactions between organisms are essential for processes like pollination, predation, and nutrient cycling.
5. Conclude that a healthy, balanced ecosystem is characterized by high biodiversity and stable populations, as these factors ensure long-term sustainability and resilience.