An ecosystem with great biological diversity decreases —

• the number of species present in the ecosystem

• competition between different species in the ecosystem

• available space for organisms in the ecosystem

• available food supply for organisms in the ecosystem

The table displays four different ecosystems and the organisms found in each. Which ecosystem is most likely to be sustainable?

(AKA, has the most Biodiversity)

• Ecosystem A

• Ecosystem B

• Ecosystem C

• Ecosystem D

Why is Ecosystem D the most Biodiverse?

• Ecosystems that contain more species are more likely to survive.

• Ecosystems that contain less species are more likely to survive.

• Ecosystems that contain only plants are more likely to survive

• Ecosystems that contain only animals are more likely to survive.

Which of the following Texas ecosystems will be the least sustainable?

• Pineywoods

• Post Oak Savannah

• Gulf Marsh

• Blackland Prairie

Which Statement BEST supports why the Blackland Prairie is NOT sustainable

• Sustainability is the lowest because this ecosystem has the most plant and animal species.

• Sustainability is the lowest because this ecosystem only has cattle.

• 
  Sustainability is the lowest because this ecosystem has the least plant and animal species.

• Sustainability is the lowest because this ecosystem does not have grass.

Describe how biodiversity contributes to the sustainability of an ecosystem.

• The more plant and animal species an ecosystem has, the better and allows it to be self-sustainable

• A field of just corn is the most beautiful thing

• Biodiversity means a lack of different species

• Biodiversity is boring

A rainforest ecosystem supports a variety of plant and animal species. This variety of life helps to maintain a balance within the ecosystem. What is one possible explanation relating a variety of species within an ecosystem to the overall balance of the ecosystem?

• The variety of species helps support more abiotic factors

• Each species fulfills a particular niche (place) in the ecosystem.

• The variety of life allows for competition for resources among different species.

• The varied organisms increase the available space in the ecosystem.

Clownfish, sea anemone, coral, sea urchins, sponges, and parrot fish are just a few examples of the large variety of organisms that can be found in a coral reef. The coral reef and its inhabitants are suffering due to several factors such as pollution, coastal development, sedimentation and destructive fishing practices. What would be the most likely result if some of the species in the coral reef are destroyed?

• Other organisms would move into the coral reef area.

• The coral reef would be allowed to flourish without so many fish and plants living in and around it.

• The coral reef would begin to deteriorate without the variety of fish and plants necessary to maintain balance.

• The waters surrounding the coral reef will become cool with the decreasing number of organisms living there.

When Darwin researched finches during his expedition, he noticed that they had different beaks allowing them to be successful in different environments.

Why is this an advantage for the finch population?

• It allows for great diversity among the finches, allowing the population to survive even if there is a ecological change.

• 
  It allows the finches the ability to help other finches gather food.

• It enables the finches to invade the habitats of other organisms to gather food.

• It gives finches the ability to change their diet from year to year depending on available food.

Rabbits in most areas have a brown coat. The arctic hare has a bright white coat in winter. How does the arctic hare's white color help it survive?

• It makes the hare warmer during the summer.

• It helps the hare blend into its background.

• It makes the hare appear larger to predators.

• It helps the hare stay warm during the winter.