Ecosystem Stability: Resistance and Resilience Explained

The video discusses ecosystem stability, focusing on resistance and resilience. It explains the diversity stability theory, which suggests that ecosystem diversity enhances stability, and the diversity stability paradox, which argues that diversity can lead to instability. The video also covers ecosystem equilibrium models, highlighting the differences between equilibrium and non-equilibrium models.

What is the term for an ecosystem's ability to remain unchanged when faced with disturbances?

• Amplitude

• Resistance

• Equilibrium

• Resilience

Which type of forest has low resistance but high resilience to fires?

• Rainforest

• Boreal forest

• Deciduous forest

• Sand pines scrub forest

According to E. P. Odom, what does high species diversity in a mature ecosystem lead to?

• Increased instability

• Reduced energy flow

• More frequent disturbances

• Greater ecosystem stability

What did MacArthur's study in 1955 suggest about food web links?

• They decrease ecosystem stability

• They have no effect on stability

• They reduce species diversity

• They increase ecosystem stability

What is the main claim of the diversity stability paradox?

• Diversity tends to destabilize ecosystems

• Diversity always leads to stability

• Diversity has no impact on stability

• Diversity reduces species interactions

Who contradicted the diversity stability paradox by showing a positive correlation between stability and diversity?

• C. S. Elton

• E. P. Odom

• MacArthur

• Yorges

What does the equilibrium model of ecosystem stability propose?

• Ecosystems are unaffected by disturbances

• Ecosystems are inherently unstable

• Ecosystems always tend towards stability

• Ecosystems never reach stability

According to the non-equilibrium model, why is ecosystem stability rarely attained?

• Due to lack of diversity

• Due to constant internal changes

• Because species do not interact

• Because of frequent external disturbances