Human Impact on Ecosystems and Energy Flow

What is one of the main human-mediated causes of biodiversity loss mentioned in the passage?

• Land-use change

• Natural disasters

• Climate stability

• Increased biodiversity

How do natural disasters affect energy flow in ecosystems?

• By damaging organisms and altering habitats

• By increasing biodiversity

• By stabilizing the ecosystem

• By promoting plant growth

What is the current extinction rate compared to the natural rate, according to the passage?

• 1,000-10,000 times higher

• Equal to the natural rate

• 1,000-10,000 times lower

• Twice as high

What role do decomposers play in the energy flow of an ecosystem?

• They break down dead organisms, returning nutrients to the soil

• They produce energy for herbivores

• They compete with primary producers

• They consume primary producers

What is a significant factor that can delay ecosystem recovery after a disturbance?

• Soil erosion

• Increased biodiversity

• Stable climate

• Abundant resources