Question 1

A large, artificial system used for experimental purposes is a

Accepted Answer

A)  microcosm.
B)  mesocosm.
C)  macrocosm.
D)  megacosm.E) B) and C)
F) All of the above B

Question 2

The species diversity in a given ecosystem is known as ________ diversity.

Accepted Answer

A)  genetic
B)  regional
C)  beta
D)  alphaE) C) and D)
F) None of the above

Question 3

Stress thresholds that, once surpassed, shift an ecosystem into an alternative stable state are known as

Accepted Answer

A)  critical variables.
B)  essential nutrients.
C)  tipping points.
D)  tolerance limits.E) B) and D)
F) B) and C)

Question 4

Competition for below ground resources is considered to be asymmetric because larger plants have a disproportionate advantage in competition for those resources.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 5

What is the link between diversity and stability?

Accepted Answer

The link between diversity and stability...

Question 6

Explain resilience and resistance with regard to ecosystem function. Explain the implications if a system enters into an alternative stable state.

Accepted Answer

Resilience and resistance are two important concepts in understanding ecosystem function.

Resilience refers to the ability of an ecosystem to withstand and recover from disturbances, such as natural disasters or human impacts. A resilient ecosystem can maintain its structure and function even when faced with these challenges. This can be due to the presence of diverse species, redundant ecological functions, or flexible processes that allow the ecosystem to adapt to changing conditions.

Resistance, on the other hand, refers to the ability of an ecosystem to resist changes and maintain its current state in the face of disturbances. A resistant ecosystem may be less affected by external pressures and can continue to function as it has been, without significant alterations.

If a system enters into an alternative stable state, it means that it has shifted to a new set of conditions and processes that are different from its original state. This can have significant implications for ecosystem function. For example, a shift to an alternative stable state may result in changes to species composition, nutrient cycling, and overall ecosystem dynamics. This can impact the services that the ecosystem provides, such as clean water, air purification, and habitat for wildlife.

In some cases, a shift to an alternative stable state may lead to a loss of resilience and resistance, making the ecosystem more vulnerable to further disturbances. This can have cascading effects on the surrounding environment and human communities that depend on the ecosystem for resources and services.

Understanding resilience and resistance is crucial for managing and conserving ecosystems, as it can help us anticipate and mitigate the impacts of disturbances and prevent shifts to alternative stable states that may have negative consequences. By promoting resilience and resistance, we can support the long-term health and sustainability of ecosystems and the benefits they provide to society.

Question 7

In all experimental studies to date, the effect of increasing nutrient availability to plants has been to ________ plant diversity.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In all experimental studies to date, the...

Question 8

Ecosystem ecologists prefer to view each species individually rather than place them into functional groups.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 9

According to Gaia supporters, the critical components of system function for the planet are located in the

Accepted Answer

A)  atmosphere.
B)  oceans.
C)  plant life.
D)  soil.E) None of the above
F) All of the above D

Question 10

Define the diversity-stability hypothesis and the biodiversity-ecosystem functioning (BEF)hypothesis.

Accepted Answer

The diversity-stability hypothesis state...

Question 11

Explain how positive feedback can result in a negative outcome.

Accepted Answer

Positive feedback reinforces t...

Question 12

Answer: See Figure 19.6
Type: ES
Topic: Section 19.4
-Explain how diversity and ecosystem function can be related to each other through:
1. functional redundancy, 2. singularity, and 3. keystone concept.

Accepted Answer

1. Function will increase with increasin...

Question 13

An ecosystem that can remain viable as it shifts to a new stable state is considered to be

Accepted Answer

A)  resistant.
B)  resilient.
C)  persistent.
D)  degraded.E) A) and C)
F) B) and D)

Question 14

The tendency to return to a particular trajectory is known as

Accepted Answer

A)  homeorhesis.
B)  homeostasis.
C)  resistance.
D)  dynamic equilibrium.E) A) and D)
F) A) and C)

Question 15

Ecosystem ecology identifies each ecosystem as discrete entities with defined barriers.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 16

Increasing nutrient availability tends to ________ plant diversity in a community.

Accepted Answer

A)  not affect
B)  decrease
C)  increase
D)  increase the first year but thereafter decreaseE) A) and B)
F) All of the above

Question 17

The concept that ecosystems optimize resource use, when more species in many niche dimensions exist together, is known as

Accepted Answer

A)  BEF.
B)  rivet model.
C)  diversity-stability hypothesis.
D)  niche complementarity.E) None of the above
F) B) and C)

Question 18

Studying ecosystems on a macrocosm scale is more accurate than microcosm-based research.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 19

David Tilman's study on grassland communities showed that productivity and biomass ________ with increased species richness.

Accepted Answer

A)  increased
B)  decreased
C)  remained stable
D)  followed no trendE) A) and C)
F) A) and B)

Question 20

The concept that the entire biosphere is one superorganism is called

Accepted Answer

A)  Lovelock's theorem.
B)  the Gaia hypothesis.
C)  Hishuk ish hypothesis.
D)  the brown belt hypothesis.E) A) and C)
F) B) and C)

Exam 19: Systems Ecology

A large, artificial system used for experimental purposes is a

Correct Answer
verified
B

The species diversity in a given ecosystem is known as ________ diversity.

Correct Answer
verified

Stress thresholds that, once surpassed, shift an ecosystem into an alternative stable state are known as

Correct Answer
verified

Competition for below ground resources is considered to be asymmetric because larger plants have a disproportionate advantage in competition for those resources.

Correct Answer
verified

What is the link between diversity and stability?

Correct Answer
Answered by ExamLex AI
The link between diversity and stability...
View Answer

Explain resilience and resistance with regard to ecosystem function. Explain the implications if a system enters into an alternative stable state.

In all experimental studies to date, the effect of increasing nutrient availability to plants has been to ________ plant diversity.

Correct Answer
verified

Ecosystem ecologists prefer to view each species individually rather than place them into functional groups.

Correct Answer
verified

According to Gaia supporters, the critical components of system function for the planet are located in the

Correct Answer
verified
D

Define the diversity-stability hypothesis and the biodiversity-ecosystem functioning (BEF)hypothesis.

Correct Answer
verified
The diversity-stability hypothesis state...
View Answer

Explain how positive feedback can result in a negative outcome.

Correct Answer
verified
Positive feedback reinforces t...
View Answer

Answer: See Figure 19.6 Type: ES Topic: Section 19.4 -Explain how diversity and ecosystem function can be related to each other through: 1. functional redundancy, 2. singularity, and 3. keystone concept.

Correct Answer
verified
1. Function will increase with increasin...
View Answer

An ecosystem that can remain viable as it shifts to a new stable state is considered to be

Correct Answer
verified

The tendency to return to a particular trajectory is known as

Correct Answer
verified

Ecosystem ecology identifies each ecosystem as discrete entities with defined barriers.

Correct Answer
verified

Increasing nutrient availability tends to ________ plant diversity in a community.

Correct Answer
verified

The concept that ecosystems optimize resource use, when more species in many niche dimensions exist together, is known as

Correct Answer
verified

Studying ecosystems on a macrocosm scale is more accurate than microcosm-based research.

Correct Answer
verified

David Tilman's study on grassland communities showed that productivity and biomass ________ with increased species richness.

Correct Answer
verified

The concept that the entire biosphere is one superorganism is called

Correct Answer
verified

Exam 19: Systems Ecology

A large, artificial system used for experimental purposes is a

Correct AnswerverifiedB

The species diversity in a given ecosystem is known as ________ diversity.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Stress thresholds that, once surpassed, shift an ecosystem into an alternative stable state are known as

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Competition for below ground resources is considered to be asymmetric because larger plants have a disproportionate advantage in competition for those resources.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

What is the link between diversity and stability?

Correct AnswerAnswered by ExamLex AIThe link between diversity and stability...View AnswerShow Answer

Explain resilience and resistance with regard to ecosystem function. Explain the implications if a system enters into an alternative stable state.

In all experimental studies to date, the effect of increasing nutrient availability to plants has been to ________ plant diversity.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Ecosystem ecologists prefer to view each species individually rather than place them into functional groups.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

According to Gaia supporters, the critical components of system function for the planet are located in the

Correct AnswerverifiedD

Define the diversity-stability hypothesis and the biodiversity-ecosystem functioning (BEF)hypothesis.

Correct AnswerverifiedThe diversity-stability hypothesis state...View AnswerShow Answer

Explain how positive feedback can result in a negative outcome.

Correct AnswerverifiedPositive feedback reinforces t...View AnswerShow Answer

Answer: See Figure 19.6 Type: ES Topic: Section 19.4 -Explain how diversity and ecosystem function can be related to each other through: 1. functional redundancy, 2. singularity, and 3. keystone concept.

Correct Answerverified1. Function will increase with increasin...View AnswerShow Answer

An ecosystem that can remain viable as it shifts to a new stable state is considered to be

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

The tendency to return to a particular trajectory is known as

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Ecosystem ecology identifies each ecosystem as discrete entities with defined barriers.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Increasing nutrient availability tends to ________ plant diversity in a community.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

The concept that ecosystems optimize resource use, when more species in many niche dimensions exist together, is known as

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Studying ecosystems on a macrocosm scale is more accurate than microcosm-based research.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

David Tilman's study on grassland communities showed that productivity and biomass ________ with increased species richness.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

The concept that the entire biosphere is one superorganism is called

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Correct Answer
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B

Correct Answer
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Correct Answer
Answered by ExamLex AI
The link between diversity and stability...
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Correct Answer
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D

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The diversity-stability hypothesis state...
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Positive feedback reinforces t...
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Correct Answer
verified
1. Function will increase with increasin...
View Answer

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