Unit II: Ecosystem Stability Review

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What is species richness?

Back

Species richness refers to the number of different species present in a given ecosystem.

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How does increased species richness affect ecosystem stability?

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Increased species richness generally enhances ecosystem stability, as it allows for greater resilience and recovery from disturbances.

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What is a top predator?

Back

A top predator is an organism that is at the top of the food chain and has no natural predators.

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What is biodiversity?

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Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of species, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

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How does loss of biodiversity impact ecosystem stability?

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Loss of biodiversity decreases ecosystem stability, making it more vulnerable to disturbances and less able to recover.

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What are Deciduous Forests?

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Deciduous forests are biomes characterized by trees that lose their leaves seasonally, typically in the winter.

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What is primary productivity?

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Primary productivity is the rate at which energy is converted by photosynthetic and chemosynthetic autotrophs to organic substances.

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What role do top predators play in an ecosystem?

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Top predators help maintain the balance of ecosystems by controlling the populations of other species.

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What is the significance of wet soil in temperature stability?

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Wet soil tends to exhibit more stable temperature readings compared to dry soil due to its higher heat capacity and moisture retention.

Front

What is an ecosystem?

Back

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.