Restoration Challenges in Ecosystems

The video covers three restoration case studies: Yellowstone National Park, Cape Cod salt marshes, and Alberta forests and wetlands. Each case study explores the ecosystem, the problems faced, and the restoration efforts undertaken. In Yellowstone, the reintroduction of wolves helped restore the aspen tree population. In Cape Cod, the decline of cordgrass due to overfishing is being addressed with mussels and European green crabs. In Alberta, efforts focus on restoring lands damaged by oil sand mining using fungi to aid tree growth.

What is the primary reason for the decline of aspen trees in Yellowstone National Park?

• Increased human activity

• Overpopulation of elk

• Lack of rainfall

• Introduction of invasive species

How did the reintroduction of wolves help the Yellowstone ecosystem?

• By increasing the number of tourists

• By controlling the elk population

• By reducing the number of bison

• By increasing the number of geysers

What role do salt marshes play in the Cape Cod ecosystem?

• They prevent the growth of algae

• They increase the salinity of the ocean

• They clean pollution from the water

• They provide a habitat for polar bears

What was the unexpected helper in the restoration of Cape Cod salt marshes?

• Japanese beetles

• European green crabs

• American lobsters

• Canadian geese

What is a potential risk of relying on European green crabs in Cape Cod?

• They might overpopulate and cause new issues

• They could increase the salinity of the marshes

• They might attract more predators

• They could decrease the number of fish

What is the main benefit of salt marshes in coastal protection?

• They attract more tourists

• They reduce the number of hurricanes

• They increase the temperature of the water

• They prevent coastal flooding and erosion

What is the main environmental concern associated with oil sand mining in Alberta?

• Decrease in air quality

• Overpopulation of caribou

• Destruction of wetlands

• Increase in forest fires

How are scientists attempting to restore the Alberta oil sands area?

• By increasing rainfall

• By planting trees with special fungi

• By reducing the number of mining operations

• By introducing new animal species

What is the primary function of fungi in the restoration of Alberta forests?

• To absorb toxins and provide nutrients

• To decompose dead matter

• To provide shade for young trees

• To increase the soil's water retention

Why is the restoration of the Alberta oil sands challenging?

• The area is too cold for plant growth

• The soil is left with few nutrients and many toxins

• The area is prone to frequent earthquakes

• There is too much rainfall