Which consequence can arise from low bacterial diversity in an ecosystem?

Low bacterial diversity in an ecosystem can lead to heightened vulnerability to disease outbreaks. This is because a diverse microbial community has a variety of functions and interactions that help regulate populations and maintain ecological balance. When bacterial diversity is low, the ecosystem may lack the necessary microbial strains that can outcompete or suppress pathogenic bacteria. This can lead to unchecked proliferation of harmful pathogens, making the ecosystem more susceptible to disease and outbreaks.

In contrast, high bacterial diversity contributes to robust nutrient cycling, enhances ecosystem stability, and improves waste decomposition, making the system more resilient to environmental changes and disturbances. Thus, the presence of a wide variety of bacterial species plays a critical role in the overall health and functioning of ecosystems.