Ecological Concepts and Species Impact

The video discusses biodiversity, highlighting its importance and the variety of species in ecosystems. It explains the roles of dominant and keystone species, such as the American chestnut and otters, in maintaining ecosystem balance. Ecosystem engineers like beavers create new habitats. Threats to biodiversity include habitat loss, alien species, and overexploitation, with examples like zebra mussels and overfishing. The video concludes with the concept of extinction and restoration ecology, emphasizing reforestation efforts.

What is a dominant species in an ecosystem?

• A species introduced from another region.

• A species that engineers new ecosystems.

• A species that is on the brink of extinction.

• A species that is the most abundant and whose removal could collapse the ecosystem.

How do keystone species affect ecosystems?

• They are introduced species that compete with native species.

• They have a significant impact on population numbers and ecosystem health.

• They are species that have gone extinct.

• They are the most abundant species.

What role do beavers play in their ecosystems?

• They are ecosystem engineers.

• They are keystone species.

• They are a dominant species.

• They are alien species.

Which of the following is an example of habitat loss?

• Reforestation efforts.

• Overfishing of yellowfin tuna.

• Deforestation and building of hydroelectric dams.

• Introduction of zebra mussels.

What is an alien species?

• A species that has gone extinct.

• A species introduced to a new location, competing with native species.

• A species that engineers new ecosystems.

• A species that is native to an ecosystem.

What impact do zebra mussels have on the Great Lakes?

• They are used in restoration ecology.

• They help increase biodiversity.

• They compete with native fish for food resources.

• They are a keystone species.

What does over-exploitation refer to?

• Introducing new species to an ecosystem.

• Using or extracting a resource until it is depleted.

• Restoring damaged ecosystems.

• Creating new ecosystems through engineering.

Why did the dodo bird become extinct?

• It was a keystone species.

• It was an alien species.

• It was over-exploited by European settlers.

• It was a dominant species.

What is the goal of restoration ecology?

• To engineer new ecosystems.

• To over-exploit resources for human use.

• To introduce new species to an ecosystem.

• To restore damaged ecosystems to their original state.

Which of the following is an example of restoration ecology?

• Introducing zebra mussels to new locations.

• Building hydroelectric dams.

• Replanting native trees in deforested areas.

• Overfishing of yellowfin tuna.