Ecosystem Dynamics and Resilience Concepts

The video tutorial explores how ecosystems stabilize themselves in space and time, focusing on dynamics, interconnectedness, and the impact of changes such as forest cover alterations. It discusses the concept of ecosystem stability, homeostasis, and cybernetics, highlighting the importance of feedback mechanisms. The tutorial also examines the interconnectedness of ecosystems, using examples like salmon migration to illustrate energy and nutrient flows. The video concludes with a discussion on resistance and resilience, emphasizing the ability of ecosystems to maintain equilibrium and recover from disturbances.

What are the two fundamental attributes of ecosystems that are crucial for their structure and function?

• Soil and nutrients

• Light and temperature

• Water and air

• Space and time

Which of the following is NOT a natural force driving changes in ecosystems?

• Urban development

• Climatic shifts

• Species movement

• Nutrient cycling

How do changes in forest cover affect ecosystem functioning?

• They have no impact

• They can lead to biodiversity loss

• They only affect the soil quality

• They improve atmospheric conditions

What is the term used to describe the aggregation of all ecosystems on Earth?

• Hydrosphere

• Ecosphere

• Lithosphere

• Biosphere

In the example of salmon, what do young salmon connect?

• Oceans to lakes

• Small streams to large rivers

• Forests to grasslands

• Deserts to wetlands

What is homeostasis in the context of ecosystems?

• The introduction of new species

• A process of nutrient depletion

• A self-regulatory mechanism to maintain balance

• The ability to change rapidly

What type of feedback mechanism is illustrated when a predator population regulates its prey population?

• Neutral feedback

• Cyclic feedback

• Positive feedback

• Negative feedback

According to Holling, what does resilience in an ecosystem refer to?

• The potential to evolve into a new ecosystem

• The capacity to expand rapidly

• The ease of returning to equilibrium after disturbance

• The ability to resist changes

Which ecosystem is more likely to recover quickly after a fire outbreak?

• A forest ecosystem

• A tundra ecosystem

• A grassland ecosystem

• A desert ecosystem

What does resistance stability in an ecosystem refer to?

• The time taken to recover from disturbances

• The rate of species migration

• The ability to resist forces disrupting equilibrium

• The speed of nutrient cycling