Ecosystem Dynamics and Stability Concepts

The video explores the concepts of stability and change in ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of factors like energy supply, nutrient cycling, genetic variation, and climate for maintaining stability. It discusses how disruptions can lead to instability and the role of tipping points and positive feedback loops. Mesocosms are introduced as tools for studying ecosystem variables. The video also highlights the critical role of keystone species, using the sea star experiment as an example.

What is the main theme of the video related to ecosystems?

• Pollution and Conservation

• Climate and Weather

• Stability and Change

• Biodiversity and Extinction

Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to ecosystem stability?

• Human intervention

• Genetic variation

• Nutrient cycling

• Constant energy supply

What is an example of a disruption that can lead to ecosystem instability?

• Photosynthesis

• Deforestation

• Symbiosis

• Natural selection

What is a tipping point in the context of ecosystems?

• A gradual change in ecosystem structure

• A point of no return after a disturbance

• A stable state of an ecosystem

• A minor fluctuation in ecosystem dynamics

What is a mesocosm?

• A nutrient cycle

• A type of keystone species

• A small controlled ecosystem model

• A large natural ecosystem

Why are closed systems preferred in mesocosm studies?

• They better replicate natural nutrient cycling

• They allow for unlimited nutrient input

• They are easier to manage

• They require less maintenance

Why are mesocosms limited in replicating natural ecosystems?

• They are too expensive

• They require too much time

• They cannot replicate all natural interactions

• They are too large

What is a keystone species?

• A species with a disproportionate effect on its ecosystem

• A species that can survive in any environment

• A species with minimal impact on its ecosystem

• A species that is always at the top of the food chain

What was the outcome of the sea star experiment?

• No significant change

• Increased biodiversity

• Stable ecosystem dynamics

• Dominance of mollusks

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

• The ecosystem becomes more stable

• The ecosystem may collapse

• The ecosystem becomes more diverse

• The ecosystem remains unchanged