6. Stability and Change D4.2

What features of ecosystems allow stability over unlimited time periods

high biodiversity, efficient nutrient cycling, functional redundancy (multiple species performing the same role), strong interspecies interactions, resilience to disturbances, and the ability to adapt to changing environmental condition

What are the requirements for stability in ecosystems?

Supply of energy, recycling of nutrients, genetic diversity, and climatic variables within tolerance levels.

What is a possible tipping point example in ecosystem stability discussed in the notes?

Deforestation of the Amazon rainforest.

How do mesocosms help in studying ecosystem stability?

They are experimental areas that can model ecosystems while controlling variables.

What is the effect of removing a keystone species in an ecosystem?

It can lead to a disproportionate impact on community structure and risk of ecosystem collapse.

What are some factors affecting the sustainability of agriculture?

Soil erosion, leaching of nutrients, supply of fertilizers, pollution from agrochemicals, and carbon footprint.

What defines eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems?

The enrichment of water with nitrogen and phosphorus leading to increased biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).

What happens during biomagnification?

Increased levels of toxins accumulate in the tissues of consumers at higher trophic levels.

Why are plastics considered persistent in the environment?

Due to their nonbiodegradability, they can have lasting effects on marine life.

What does stability in ecosystems refer to?

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

What does community resistance mean in terms of ecosystem stability?

It is the ability of a community or ecosystem to remain unchanged despite disturbance.

What are some examples of stable ecosystems mentioned in the lecture?

Old Growth Forests in the PNW, Temperate forests in Northern Europe, parts of the Amazon Rainforest, and Boreal Forests.

What contributes to the generation of atmospheric water vapor in rainforests?

Transpiration from plants and the water cycle.

How can sustainability of resource harvesting be assessed?

By ensuring the rate of harvesting is lower than the rate of replacement.

What impact does deforestation have on the water cycle in large ecosystems?

It disturbs the water cycle and can lead to a tipping point in ecosystem stability.

What features of ecosystems allow stability over unlimited time periods?

Features that promote stability in ecosystems include a diverse range of species, robust energy flow, nutrient cycling, resilience to disturbances, and a balanced climate.