Ecosystem Dynamics and Disturbances

The video tutorial covers ecological concepts such as ecosystems, communities, biomes, and carrying capacity. It explains ecosystem dynamics, stability, and disturbances caused by abiotic and biotic forces. The video also discusses resilience and biodiversity, highlighting how ecosystems recover from disturbances. It concludes with resources for further learning.

What is an ecological disturbance?

• A type of ecosystem with high biodiversity

• A minor change in weather patterns

• A significant change in population sizes within an ecosystem

• A stable ecosystem with no changes

Which of the following best describes a biome?

• A type of plant species

• A single species population

• A large ecological zone defined by climate and organisms

• A small pond ecosystem

What does the term 'carrying capacity' refer to?

• The total biomass of an ecosystem

• The maximum number of species in a biome

• The number of ecosystems in a region

• The number of individuals of a species an ecosystem can support

How do ecologists define a dynamic ecosystem?

• An ecosystem that never changes

• An ecosystem with constant and predictable changes

• An ecosystem with unpredictable and large changes

• An ecosystem with no living organisms

Which of the following is an example of an abiotic disturbance?

• Invasive species

• Predator-prey interaction

• Disease outbreak

• Volcanic eruption

What is a biotic force in an ecosystem?

• A force caused by non-living elements

• A force caused by living organisms

• A force that stabilizes the ecosystem

• A force that increases biodiversity

How can human activities act as a biotic disturbance?

• By increasing biodiversity

• By stabilizing ecosystems

• By causing natural disasters

• By introducing invasive species

What is resilience in an ecosystem?

• The ability to resist any change

• The ability to quickly return to a stable state after a disturbance

• The ability to remain unchanged over time

• The ability to increase biodiversity

Why is biodiversity important for ecosystem resilience?

• It decreases the number of species

• It reduces the need for resources

• It increases the ecosystem's ability to recover from disturbances

• It stabilizes the climate

Which plant species is adapted to thrive after a forest fire?

• Jack pine

• Cactus

• Oak tree

• Maple tree