What is one effect of competitive exclusion on biodiversity?

Competitive exclusion is a principle in ecology that states that two species competing for the same limited resources cannot coexist at constant population values. When two species compete for the same niche, one will typically outcompete the other, which can lead to the extinction of the less competitive species. This has a significant impact on biodiversity, as the loss of one species can decrease the variety of organisms present in a particular ecosystem.

Hence, the correct choice highlights that the competitive exclusion principle may lead to the extinction of one species, which consequently reduces biodiversity within that environment. In contrast, the other options either suggest outcomes that wouldn't generally arise from competitive exclusion or imply neutrality towards biodiversity, which does not accurately represent the effects of this ecological principle.