The Importance of Species Richness in Ecosystem Functioning

The video explores the importance of biodiversity, focusing on species richness and its role in ecosystem stability. It discusses how species interact within ecosystems, the flow of energy through food webs, and the impact of whale falls on ecosystem dynamics. The video emphasizes the complexity and resilience of ecosystems, highlighting the importance of maintaining biodiversity to prevent ecological collapse.

What does the term 'ecosystem' refer to in the context of biodiversity?

• A system of interacting organisms and their environment

• A collection of non-living elements

• A group of similar species

• A single species living in isolation

Why is species richness crucial for ecosystem stability?

• It limits the growth of certain species

• It provides more options for interactions

• It increases the number of predators

• It reduces the number of interactions

What does a network diagram in an ecosystem represent?

• The geographical distribution of species

• The physical size of species

• The genetic diversity of species

• The flow of energy and interactions between species

How does higher biodiversity contribute to ecosystem resilience?

• By eliminating competition

• By increasing the dependency on a single species

• By spreading interactions among more species

• By reducing the number of species

What is the significance of 'whale falls' in marine ecosystems?

• They provide a habitat for new species

• They have no impact on the ecosystem

• They create a new ecosystem on the sea floor

• They disrupt the marine ecosystem

What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

• They decompose organic matter

• They provide shelter for animals

• They consume other organisms

• They convert sunlight into chemical energy

What happens when a key species is removed from an ecosystem?

• The ecosystem may experience a collapse

• The ecosystem becomes more stable

• New species immediately replace it

• The ecosystem remains unchanged

How does the removal of a major energy flow system affect an ecosystem?

• It enhances the ecosystem's function

• It causes a drop in ecosystem function

• It has no effect on the ecosystem

• It increases the number of species

What analogy is used to explain the importance of species diversity in ecosystems?

• A simple bicycle

• A small boat

• A complex airplane with multiple parts

• A single-engine plane

In the context of ecosystems, what does the term 'perturbation' refer to?

• A natural growth process

• A disturbance that affects the ecosystem

• A seasonal change

• A new species introduction