Which of the following represents a characteristic of a resilient ecosystem with diverse bacteria?

A resilient ecosystem with diverse bacteria is characterized by its enhanced capability to recover from disturbances. This resilience is largely due to the presence of a diverse range of microbial species and their functions, which allows the ecosystem to maintain its structure and functionality even after experiencing stress or changes, such as pollution, climate change, or loss of habitat. The diversity of bacteria contributes to various ecological functions, including nutrient cycling, decomposition, and disease suppression, making the ecosystem more robust and better able to withstand and adapt to disruptions.

In contrast, inflexibility to environmental changes, high susceptibility to pathogens, and limited resource utilization all highlight features of ecosystems that are more vulnerable and less adaptable. An ecosystem that is inflexible would struggle to adjust to new challenges, while one that is highly susceptible to pathogens indicates a lack of biodiversity and resilience, leading to potential collapse. Limited resource utilization suggests that an ecosystem is not maximizing the available resources, which can further weaken its stability and adaptability. Thus, the ability to recover from disturbances is a hallmark of a healthy and resilient ecosystem.