Question

Consider this claim: Changes in environmental conditions always result in new ecosystems and loss of biodiversity characterized by an increase in the number of some species, the evolution of new species, and the extinction of some species. Draw a conclusion about the stability of ecosystems, how and what can affect the stability of ecosystems, and how changes in the environment may affect the types and number of living things in an ecosystem.

Answer 1

Let’s say a desert becomes flooded. Some species would quickly go extinct, disrupting the food web. This flood might cause new species to enter the ecosystem as well, through means such as rafting. Other species would be forced to adapt to the new environment, leading to adaptation and possibly speciation. For a time the ecosystem would not be very stable, but after a relatively short time, 10 or 20 years, the ecosystem could stabilize itself. So my conclusion is that ecosystems are relatively fluid, they can adapt to almost anything if they have enough time and the change in environment isn’t too drastic.