LS2C - Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning and Resilience

Paula Anderson discusses ecosystem dynamics, focusing on how disruptions affect ecosystems like coral reefs. She explains natural and human-caused disruptions, such as pollution and invasive species, and how organisms adapt to environmental changes. The video highlights the importance of biodiversity for ecosystem health, using the potato famine as a historical example. It also outlines a teaching progression for ecosystem concepts from elementary to high school.

What are the components of an ecosystem?

• Only plants and animals

• Only non-living elements

• Only living organisms

• Both living organisms and non-living elements

Which of the following is an example of a natural disruption to an ecosystem?

• Pollution

• Invasive species

• Lava flow

• Deforestation

How can human activities disrupt ecosystems?

• By increasing biodiversity

• By introducing invasive species

• By stabilizing temperatures

• By reducing pollution

What was a major consequence of the Irish Potato Famine?

• Population growth

• Increased biodiversity

• Mass migration and death

• Improved agricultural practices

Why is biodiversity important for an ecosystem's health?

• It ensures a single species dominates

• It reduces the number of species in an area

• It makes ecosystems more vulnerable to changes

• It helps ecosystems respond to environmental changes

What should students learn about ecosystems in middle school?

• Ecosystems are dynamic and constantly changing

• Ecosystems are static and unchanging

• Ecosystems only consist of plants

• Ecosystems are not affected by human activities

What is a key indicator of an ecosystem's health?

• The level of biodiversity

• The number of predators

• The size of the ecosystem

• The amount of rainfall