Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting human well-being. It encompasses the vast array of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, as well as the diverse ecosystems they form. A rich biodiversity ensures ecosystem stability, making them more resilient to environmental changes and disturbances. For example, diverse plant communities can better withstand droughts or pest outbreaks compared to monocultures. The benefits of biodiversity extend far beyond ecosystem stability. It provides essential ecosystem services, such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. Bees and other insects pollinate crops, ensuring food production. Forests filter water, providing clean drinking water. Plants absorb carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change. Furthermore, biodiversity is a source of medicines, genetic resources, and cultural values. Many drugs are derived from natural compounds found in plants and animals. Genetic diversity within species is essential for adapting to changing environments and improving crop yields. However, biodiversity is under threat from human activities. Habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation of resources, and climate change are all contributing to the loss of species and the degradation of ecosystems. Deforestation, for example, destroys habitats and releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Pollution contaminates water and soil, harming wildlife. Overfishing depletes fish stocks, disrupting marine ecosystems. Climate change alters habitats and forces species to migrate or face extinction. Conservation efforts are essential to protect biodiversity and ensure the long-term health of our planet. These efforts include protecting habitats, reducing pollution, managing resources sustainably, and mitigating climate change. By conserving biodiversity, we can safeguard the essential services that ecosystems provide and ensure a sustainable future for all.

What is the purpose of conservation efforts, according to the passage? A. To accelerate climate change. B. To protect biodiversity. C. To increase pollution. D. To deplete natural resources.