Which ecosystem is most resilient to change due to its high diversity?
a
arctic tundra
b
mountain meadow
c
stormwater pond
d
Amazon rainforest
The Amazon rainforest is the most resilient ecosystem to change due to its high species diversity. The great variety of plant and animal species in the Amazon rainforest helps to regulate ecosystem processes, resist environmental perturbations, and maintain key ecological functions despite disturbances such as climate change, deforestation, and fires. The intricate web of biological interactions that exist in the rainforest ensures that the ecosystem is highly adaptive to changes in environmental conditions.
keystone species?
A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionate impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance or biomass. This means that the presence or absence of a keystone species can have a significant effect on the structure and function of the entire ecosystem. Keystone species often have a critical role in maintaining the biodiversity of their ecosystems by controlling the population size of other species or by providing essential ecological services such as pollination or nutrient cycling. Removing a keystone species from an ecosystem can lead to cascading effects that can cause major ecological changes, including the loss of other species and the collapse of important ecosystem functions. Examples of keystone species include sea otters, wolves, and beavers.
Of the predators in the image, which one is most likely a keystone species?
(1 point)
Responses
frog
frog
mountain lion
mountain lion
pine marten
pine marten
ringtail
Without knowing the specific image being referred to, it is impossible to determine which predator is most likely a keystone species.
To determine which ecosystem is the most resilient to change due to its high diversity, we will analyze the characteristics of each ecosystem option you provided and consider the concept of ecological resilience.
Ecological resilience refers to the ability of an ecosystem to resist and recover from disturbances while maintaining its structure, function, and diversity. High biodiversity generally contributes to the resilience of an ecosystem.
a) Arctic tundra: The Arctic tundra ecosystem is characterized by extreme cold temperatures, a short growing season, and a limited number of plant and animal species. While it may be adapted to withstand cold temperatures, the overall species diversity and complexity are lower compared to other ecosystems.
b) Mountain meadow: Mountain meadows are known for their rich and diverse plant communities, as well as the presence of various animal species. The high diversity of species in a mountain meadow can contribute to its resilience to change.
c) Stormwater pond: Stormwater ponds are artificial ecosystems created to manage stormwater runoff. These ponds often have limited diversity and are designed to serve specific purposes, such as water filtration. Due to their artificial nature and lower biodiversity, stormwater ponds might be less resilient to change compared to naturally occurring ecosystems.
d) Amazon rainforest: The Amazon rainforest is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and complex interactions between numerous plant and animal species. The presence of a wide range of species and the intricate ecological relationships make the Amazon rainforest highly resilient to change.
Considering the information above, the Amazon rainforest (option d) is likely the most resilient to change due to its high diversity and complex ecological interactions. It contains a vast array of species that have developed intricate adaptations and interdependencies, enabling the ecosystem to rebound from disturbances more effectively than the other options.