Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stability

The video explores how biodiversity impacts ecosystem stability, highlighting that diverse ecosystems are more resilient to disturbances. It introduces the insurance hypothesis, suggesting that species diversity acts as a safeguard. Experiments show that diverse ecosystems resist drought and invasive species better. Genetic diversity within species also contributes to resilience. However, high biodiversity can sometimes lead to instability under certain conditions. Overall, preserving biodiversity is crucial for maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems.

What is biodiversity primarily concerned with in an ecosystem?

• The temperature range

• The amount of rainfall

• The variety and number of species

• The number of trees

How does biodiversity help an ecosystem recover from disturbances?

• By increasing the temperature

• By providing more food

• By reducing the number of species

• By allowing other species to fill ecological gaps

What hypothesis suggests that more species act as an insurance policy for ecosystems?

• Diversity-Stability Hypothesis

• Species Richness Hypothesis

• Ecosystem Resilience Hypothesis

• Insurance Hypothesis

In grassland experiments, what was observed in plots with more plant species?

• More invasive species

• Greater resistance to drought

• Less genetic diversity

• Increased susceptibility to drought

How does genetic diversity within a species contribute to ecosystem stability?

• By increasing the number of invasive species

• By reducing the number of species

• By decreasing the variety of species

• By increasing resistance to environmental stress

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of biodiversity mentioned in the video?

• Greater ecosystem resilience

• Increased resistance to drought

• Fewer invasive species

• Decreased genetic diversity

What is a potential downside of high biodiversity in some ecosystems?

• Increased resistance to warming

• Decreased species richness

• Increased temporal stability but decreased resistance to warming

• Decreased temporal stability

What is the overall impact of biodiversity on ecosystem stability?

• It always leads to instability

• It generally increases stability

• It has no impact

• It decreases the number of species

Why is preserving biodiversity essential for ecosystems?

• To increase the number of species

• To decrease environmental changes

• To ensure ecosystems remain healthy and resilient

• To reduce the number of disturbances

What role does biodiversity play in the face of environmental changes?

• It makes ecosystems more vulnerable

• It ensures ecosystems function remain intact

• It increases the number of disturbances

• It reduces the number of species