Plants, bison, elk, and wolves are all members of an ecosystem. The bison and elk are both primary consumers in this ecosystem, while the wolves are a predator. Over time, the bison completely disappear. Give an example of how the ecosystem may respond to this change, and explain how this relates to both resiliency and biodiversity. (4 points) can someone explain please
If the bison completely disappear from the ecosystem, there will be an increase in vegetation as the primary consumers are no longer consuming it. This increase in vegetation could lead to overgrazing by elk, leading to a decrease in plant diversity and potentially affecting other herbivorous species. Additionally, without bison as a food source, the wolf population may decline, affecting the predator-prey dynamics of the ecosystem.
This change highlights the importance of biodiversity and the interconnectedness of species within an ecosystem. A loss of one species can have ripple effects throughout the ecosystem. The resiliency of the ecosystem depends on the diversity of its species, as it allows for a greater chance of withstanding disturbances and adapting to changing conditions. A loss of biodiversity can lead to a decrease in ecosystem resiliency and stability.
Beavers, large members of the rodent family in North America, are often referred to as “ecosystem/keystone engineers” by wildlife managers. Ecosystem engineers are described as animals that create, alter, or destroy a habitat. Beavers contribute to river ecosystems by bringing down old and dead trees along riverbanks. They use these trees to make their dams. Although these dams are primarily used for protection and food storage, scientists report that these dams change the surrounding environment in different ways.
Given this information, in three to five sentences, describe a potential benefit that beavers contribute to the ecosystem as keystone engineers and describe a plausible impact that the removal of beavers could have on the surrounding ecosystem.
(4 points)
One potential benefit that beavers contribute to the ecosystem as keystone engineers is that their dams create wetland habitats. These habitats provide crucial breeding, nesting, and feeding grounds for a variety of aquatic and terrestrial species, such as fish, waterfowl, and amphibians. The removal of beavers could lead to the loss of these wetland habitats, affecting the biodiversity and productivity of the surrounding ecosystem. Additionally, the absence of beaver dams could alter the flow rate and temperature of the river, affecting the physical and chemical properties of the water and potentially impacting the survival of aquatic species.
Some students are trying to convince their parents to let them raise backyard chickens. They want to present a logical argument on how raising your own chickens reduces food waste. In three to five sentences, construct an argument for how raising livestock yourself can help you reduce, reuse, and recycle waste.(4 points)
Raising your own livestock, such as backyard chickens, can help reduce food waste in several ways. Firstly, you can feed your chickens with table scraps and waste food, which would otherwise go to landfill and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, you can use chicken manure as fertilizer for your garden, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers that contribute to pollution and environmental degradation. Finally, you can compost chicken bedding and straw, helping to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfill. Overall, raising backyard chickens can provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste.
When the bison population completely disappears from the ecosystem, it can have several effects on the ecosystem dynamics. One possible response could be an increase in the elk population due to the release of competition for resources (such as food). With fewer bison around, elk may have more access to food and therefore experience an increase in their population size.
This change in the ecosystem can relate to both resiliency and biodiversity. Resiliency refers to the ability of an ecosystem to recover or adjust to changes or disturbances. In this case, the ecosystem may exhibit some level of resiliency if the elk population can adjust and fill the ecological role previously occupied by the bison. However, if the elk population cannot compensate for the lost bison population, the ecosystem may struggle to recover its balance, indicating a lower level of resiliency.
In terms of biodiversity, the disappearance of the bison can lead to a loss of species diversity. Biodiversity refers to the variety of species within an ecosystem. With the elimination of the bison, one species is lost, reducing the overall biodiversity of the ecosystem. This loss of species diversity can have long-term consequences as it affects the ecosystem's stability and its ability to adapt to changes and disruptions.
Overall, the response of the ecosystem to the disappearance of bison and its impact on resiliency and biodiversity emphasizes the interconnectedness and delicate balance within ecosystems.