Dynamic equilibrium

Question 1

Define dynamic equilibrium

Answer 1

The state of an ecosystem in which population, energy flow and nutrient cycles
tend to remain stable over time, even with changes. Restoration of balance.

Question 2

List 2 mechanisms that help ecosystems maintain equilibrium through changes like seasons

Answer 2

1. Plant growth cycles (seasonal growth cycles- ensures don’t waste energy)
2. Predator-prey relationships

Question 3

Define vulnerability

Answer 3

the ease with which an ecosystem can be changed.

Question 4

What are 4 factors that influence an ecosystem’s vulnerability to stresses? BELL

Answer 4

B- biodiversity
E- extent (size. Greater the extent, the more resilient)
L- location (proximity to hazards)
L- linkages

Question 5

Define resilience

Answer 5

the ecosystem’s ability to deal with this change

Question 6

When vulnerability is equal to resilience, ecosystem can be characterised as being in state of …

Answer 6

dynamic equilibrium

Question 7

Define ecosystem integrity

Answer 7

Refers to the ability of an ecosystem to support and maintain ecological processes and a diverse community of organisms, consistent with its natural evolutionary and historical conditions. It encompasses biological diversity, ecosystem structure, function, and resilience.

Question 8

What occurs when vulnerability exceeds resilience

Answer 8

Dynamic disequilibrium

Question 9

Example of a place that was in Dynamic disequilibrium

Answer 9

Yellowstone (pre wolves introduction)

Question 10

What happened when wolves were eradicated from Yellowstone

Answer 10

Top predator removed, elk became overpopulated and overgrazed > decline in trees, fewer trees/beavers, increased erosion