Question

1. biodiversity affects the stability of an ecosystem or species. for each of the listed factors, write i for increases stability or d for decreases stability.

____ variety of species ____ limited number of isolated species
____ identical alleles for traits ____ variety of alleles for traits
____ single type of ecosystem ____ variety of ecosystems

Explanation:

• A greater variety of species means more ecological roles are filled, making the ecosystem more resilient to disturbances, so it increases stability.
• Isolated species with limited numbers have low genetic diversity and small populations, making them vulnerable to extinction, decreasing stability.
• Identical alleles mean no genetic variation; a population can't adapt to environmental changes, decreasing stability.
• A variety of alleles provides genetic variation, allowing a population to adapt to changes, increasing stability.
• A single ecosystem type lacks redundancy; if it is disrupted, there are no alternative systems to support the environment, decreasing stability.
• A variety of ecosystems provides diverse habitats and resources, supporting more life and buffering against disturbances, increasing stability.

Answer:

• variety of species: I
• limited number of isolated species: D
• identical alleles for traits: D
• variety of alleles for traits: I
• single type of ecosystem: D
• variety of ecosystems: I