In the context of ecology, what does a high species richness indicate?

A high species richness indicates high biodiversity within an ecosystem. Species richness refers to the number of different species present in a given area. A greater number of species generally reflects a more complex and diverse ecosystem, which often leads to greater resilience and stability. This diversity can enhance ecosystem processes such as energy flow, nutrient cycling, and overall productivity.

In contrast, ecosystems with low species richness may be more vulnerable to environmental changes and disturbances, as they depend on fewer species to maintain ecological balance. Therefore, high species richness is a key indicator of ecological health and robustness.