Ecosystem Change: Resistance, Resilience, and Stability Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the difference between resistance and resilience in an ecosystem?

Resistance is the ability to persist or withstand a disturbance, while resilience is the ability to recover once a disturbance ends.

How does high levels of species diversity enhance ecosystem resistance?

High levels of species diversity can enhance ecosystem resistance by providing redundancy and complementarity in ecological functions, which can help buffer against disturbances.

What role does habitat complexity play in ecosystem resistance?

Ecosystems with diverse physical structures can exhibit greater resistance to disturbances due to the presence of multiple niches and resource options for species.

What is a significant threat to ecosystems mentioned in the text?

Climate change is a significant threat to ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

How has climate change impacted the ecosystem on Isle Royale in Lake Superior?

Warming has reduced wolves’ ability to survive, leading to an increase in moose populations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of biodiversity in enhancing ecosystem resistance?

Providing redundancy and complementarity in ecological functions Signup and view all the answers

How does habitat complexity contribute to ecosystem resistance?

Providing multiple niches and resource options for species Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary impact of climate change on Isle Royale in Lake Superior?

Reduction in wolf population Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes resilience from stability in an ecosystem?

Resilience involves returning to equilibrium after a perturbation, while stability does not experience unexpected changes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main impact of high levels of species diversity on ecosystem resistance?

Enhancement of ecosystem resistance Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the ability of an ecosystem to persist or withstand a disturbance?

Resistance Signup and view all the answers

How does high levels of species diversity contribute to ecosystem resistance?

By providing redundancy and complementarity in ecological functions Signup and view all the answers

What role does habitat complexity play in ecosystem resistance?

It contributes to greater resistance to disturbances Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary impact of climate change on Isle Royale in Lake Superior?

Increased wolf populations due to reduced survival Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes resilience from stability in an ecosystem?

Resilience refers to the ability to return to equilibrium after a disturbance, while stability refers to the ability to persist or withstand a disturbance Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ecosystem Resistance and Resilience

Resistance refers to an ecosystem's ability to withstand a disturbance, while resilience refers to its ability to recover after a disturbance.
High levels of species diversity enhance ecosystem resistance by providing a safety net against species extinction and maintaining ecosystem function.

Habitat Complexity and Ecosystem Resistance

Habitat complexity contributes to ecosystem resistance by providing niches and refuges for species, allowing them to survive and thrive.

Threats to Ecosystems

Climate change is a significant threat to ecosystems, impacting ecosystems such as Isle Royale in Lake Superior.

Climate Change on Isle Royale

Climate change has impacted the ecosystem on Isle Royale in Lake Superior, altering the island's ecosystem dynamics.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Resistance

Biodiversity enhances ecosystem resistance by providing functional redundancy, ensuring that ecosystem functions are maintained even if some species decline or go extinct.

Resilience vs. Stability

Resilience refers to an ecosystem's ability to recover after a disturbance, while stability refers to an ecosystem's ability to resist change.

Ecosystem Resistance and Species Diversity

High levels of species diversity contribute to ecosystem resistance by providing insurance against species extinction and maintaining ecosystem function.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the concepts of ecosystem change, including resistance, resilience, and stability. Learn about how ecosystems persist, recover, and maintain equilibrium in the face of disturbances.