Ecosystem Dynamics and Population Effects

The video tutorial by Mr. Noland explores the dynamics of the Yellowstone ecosystem, focusing on the impact of species like wolves and lake trout. It discusses the concept of biomass and ecosystem balance, using a meadow simulation to predict and explain these dynamics. The video also includes a practical activity where students use a simulator to explore how different species populations affect ecosystem balance, particularly focusing on the maximum number of foxes an ecosystem can support.

What was the primary reason for the decline in the elk population in Yellowstone?

• Introduction of lake trout

• Deforestation

• Introduction of wolves

• Climate change

How did the introduction of lake trout affect the grizzly bears in Yellowstone?

• Caused them to hibernate longer

• Increased their population

• Decreased their food supply

• Made them migrate

What does biomass refer to in an ecosystem context?

• The number of species

• The diversity of plants

• The energy flow

• The mass of organisms

In a balanced ecosystem, which of the following is true?

• There are equal numbers of all species

• There are more plants than herbivores

• There are no decomposers

• There are more predators than prey

What was the initial setup for the meadow simulation?

• 500 foxes, 250 rabbits, 1000 grass

• 250 foxes, 1000 rabbits, 500 grass

• 500 foxes, 500 rabbits, 500 grass

• 1000 foxes, 500 rabbits, 250 grass

What did the simulation reveal about the population dynamics over time?

• All populations remained stable

• Grass increased while foxes and rabbits decreased

• Foxes increased while rabbits and grass decreased

• Rabbits increased while foxes and grass decreased

What is a trophic pyramid?

• A structure showing energy flow

• A diagram of species diversity

• A representation of biomass distribution

• A chart of climate patterns

What happens when too many foxes are introduced into the ecosystem simulation?

• The grass population decreases

• The fox population crashes

• The rabbit population increases

• The ecosystem becomes more balanced

What was the maximum number of foxes the ecosystem could support in the simulation?

• 9

• 15

• 12

• 20

What does the simulation suggest about ecosystem stability?

• Ecosystems stabilize at specific numbers

• Ecosystems cannot support predators

• Ecosystems have no predictable patterns

• Ecosystems are always unstable