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
rabbit
rabbit
fox
fox
wolf
wolf
deer
wolf
Without wolves in the ecosystem, the populations of both rabbits and deer could increase uncontrollably, leading to overgrazing and potential ecosystem collapse. Wolves help maintain balance in the ecosystem by regulating the populations of their prey species.
disturb the ecosystem because another species will not be able to replace it.
In ecosystems with low biodiversity, the removal of a species can have a significant impact as there may not be another species present that can fulfill the same ecological role. This can lead to disruption in the ecosystem and potentially alter the balance of the ecosystem.
counting the number and variation of different species of plants, animals, and other organisms that interact within an ecosystem.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms present in an ecosystem, including different species of plants, animals, and other organisms. Counting the number and variation of these different species is a measure of biodiversity within an ecosystem.
Ecological health concerns the relationship among ecosystems, ecosystem services, and human health.
Ecological health encompasses the health of ecosystems, the services they provide, and the impacts on human health. It considers the interconnectedness between natural systems, ecosystem function, and human well-being.
In an ecosystem with low biodiversity, the removal of a species will (1 point)
Responses
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.
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
Biodiversity is measured by (1 point)
Responses
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.
only analyzing animal species that interact within an ecosystem.
only analyzing animal species that interact within an ecosystem.
counting the total number of one species population and how they interact within an ecosystem.
counting the total number of one species population and how they interact within an ecosystem.
examining the usefulness of a specific trait in a species that interacts within an ecosystem.
Which statement best describes ecological health?(1 point)
Responses
Ecological health concerns the relationship among ecosystems, ecosystem services, and human health.
Ecological health concerns the relationship among ecosystems, ecosystem services, and human health.
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 types 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 amounts of different organisms in the area.