Imagine that an ecosystem contains rabbits, foxes, wolves, and deer. The following predator-prey relationships exist:
Rabbits are eaten by foxes and wolves
Deer are eaten by wolves
Foxes are eaten by wolves
Select the animal whose absence would have the greatest negative effect on the ecosystem.
(1 point)
Responses
deer
deer
rabbit
rabbit
fox
fox
wolf
wolf
If wolves were absent from the ecosystem, the number of deer would increase significantly, leading to overgrazing and depletion of plant species. This would have a cascading negative effect on the entire ecosystem, destabilizing the balance between plants and herbivores. Wolves help control the deer population, which in turn helps maintain a healthy ecosystem.
In an ecosystem with low biodiversity, the removal of a species will (1 point)
Responses
disturb the ecosystem because another species will not be able to replace it.
disturb the ecosystem because another species will not be able to replace it.
disturb the ecosystem because another species will take its place.
disturb the ecosystem because another species will take its place.
not affect the ecosystem because another species will take its place.
not affect the ecosystem because another species will take its place.
not affect the ecosystem because another species will not be able to replace it.
not affect the ecosystem because another species will not be able to replace it.
disturb the ecosystem because another species will not be able to replace it.
In ecosystems with low biodiversity, each species plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. If a species is removed and there are limited options for replacement, it can disrupt the ecosystem and cause negative effects.
Biodiversity is measured by (1 point)
Responses
only analyzing animal species that interact within an ecosystem.
only analyzing animal species that interact within an ecosystem.
examining the usefulness of a specific trait in a species that interacts within an ecosystem.
examining the usefulness of a specific trait in a species that interacts within an ecosystem.
counting the number and variation of different species of plants, animals, and other organisms that interact within an ecosystem.
counting the number and variation of different species of plants, animals, and other organisms that interact within an ecosystem.
counting the total number of one species population and how they interact within an ecosystem.
counting the number and variation of different species of plants, animals, and other organisms that interact within an ecosystem.
Biodiversity is a measure of the variety and variability of living organisms within an ecosystem, including plants, animals, and other organisms. It considers the richness of different species and the interactions between them.
Which statement best describes ecological health?(1 point)
Responses
Ecological health concerns the relationship between ecosystems and ecosystem services.
Ecological health concerns the relationship between ecosystems and ecosystem services.
Ecosystem biodiversity determines ecological health via the amounts of different organisms in the area.
Ecosystem biodiversity determines ecological health via the amounts of different organisms in the area.
Ecosystem biodiversity determines ecological health via the types of different organisms in the area.
Ecosystem biodiversity determines ecological health via the types of different organisms in the area.
Ecological health concerns the relationship among ecosystems, ecosystem services, and human health.
Ecological health concerns the relationship among ecosystems, ecosystem services, and human health.
The statement that best describes ecological health is that it concerns the relationship among ecosystems, ecosystem services, and human health. This encompasses the overall well-being of ecosystems, their functioning, and the benefits they provide to both the environment and human populations.