Understanding Biodiversity and Ecosystems

The video discusses the transformation of North American grasslands, particularly the Tallgrass Prairie in Iowa, into agricultural land, leading to a significant loss in biodiversity. It explains the concept of biodiversity, highlighting the differences in species diversity between a cornfield, a wetland, and a rainforest. The video emphasizes that ecosystems with minimal human alteration tend to have higher biodiversity and stability.

What has happened to over 90% of the Tallgrass Prairie in Iowa?

• It has been preserved as a national park.

• It has been replaced by urban development.

• It has been left untouched by humans.

• It has been converted into agricultural land.

How does biodiversity differ between a cornfield and a wetland?

• Biodiversity cannot be compared between these two.

• Both have the same level of biodiversity.

• A wetland has higher biodiversity than a cornfield.

• A cornfield has higher biodiversity than a wetland.

Which type of ecosystem is believed to have the highest biodiversity?

• Deserts

• Rainforests

• Grasslands

• Tundras

What generally happens to biodiversity when ecosystems are not altered by humans?

• Biodiversity becomes unpredictable.

• Biodiversity increases.

• Biodiversity remains the same.

• Biodiversity decreases.

What is the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem stability?

• Ecosystem stability decreases with biodiversity.

• Biodiversity does not affect ecosystem stability.

• Higher biodiversity leads to more stable ecosystems.

• Higher biodiversity leads to less stable ecosystems.