Ecosystem Balance Quiz

Human Disturbances

• Human activities can disrupt ecosystems
• Examples include deforestation, pollution, and introduction of invasive species

Natural Disturbances and Ecosystems

• Natural disturbances occur in all ecosystems, including fires, floods, and volcanic eruptions
• Though devastating, natural disturbances often benefit an ecosystem by restarting the cycle of succession
• They can remove existing vegetation, allowing for the growth of new plants and trees

Longleaf Pine Forests and Fire

• Longleaf pine forests require periodic fires for healthy growth and regeneration
• The cones of longleaf pines need heat to open and release seeds

Fish Food Dumping Effects

• Dumping excessive fish food into an aquarium can create an imbalance by polluting the water
• This reduces oxygen levels, leading to the death of organisms

Negative Human Impact

• Most human impact on ecosystems is considered negative due to the rapid and significant changes caused by human activities, often over a short period
• These changes can damage or destroy habitats, leading to a loss of biodiversity

Ecosystem Definition

• An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their non-living environment.

Natural Disturbances Examples

• Examples of natural disturbances include hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, and droughts

Balanced Ecosystems

• A stable ecosystem describes an ecosystem in a state of balance, where populations are relatively stable and the environment is healthy

Ecosystem Instability

• Factors that can threaten the stability of an ecosystem include pollution, climate change, invasive species, and habitat destruction.

Ecosystem Collapse

• When all the plants in an ecosystem die, the entire ecosystem collapses, impacting all the food chains and relationships

Test your knowledge on ecosystem balance and learn about the importance of living and non-living factors in maintaining a harmonious environment.