Ecosystem Stability and its requriements

What is meant by stability in natural ecosystems?

The ability to maintain or support systems and processes continuously over time

What conditions help ensure long-term ecosystem stability?

Steady rainfall, sunlight, warm temperatures, absence of disturbance

What is meant by structural stability in ecosystems?

The maintenance of ecosystem structure such as species composition and food webs

What is meant by functional stability in ecosystems?

The continued functioning of processes such as energy flow and nutrient cycling

Why are some ecosystems considered stable without maintenance?

They regenerate naturally under normal conditions

What is a virgin forest (Urwald)?

A forest left undisturbed by human activity for many years

What is the Bödmerenwald and why is it significant?

A Swiss virgin forest over 7000 years old that is ecologically stable without maintenance

Why is the Derborence forest unique?

It has the richest plant diversity in Switzerland and regenerates naturally

Why has the Scatlè forest remained undisturbed?

Its remote and isolated location prevented anthropogenic impact

What is required for ecosystem stability?

Steady energy supply, nutrient cycling without leakage, high genetic diversity, absence of disruption, and climate within tolerance limits

Why is high genetic diversity important for stability?

It allows populations to survive selection pressures

How do disruptions affect ecosystem stability?

They interfere with nutrient cycles, food webs, and sustainability

What types of ecosystem disruptions exist?

Erosion, harvesting, eutrophication, poaching, and selective removal

How does erosion affect ecosystems?

It causes nutrient loss and disrupts nutrient cycles and food webs

How does eutrophication disrupt ecosystems?

population imbalances hence alters ecosystem structure

Why is removal of keystone species harmful?

It disrupts ecosystem structure and stability