AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Disturbed natural ecosystems can recover, but after short interventions, the composition of species often sees a permanent change. This is the conclusion drawn by an international study headed by the University of Oldenburg, Germany.

Detailed explanation-2: -The change a terrestrial ecosystem experiences as it recovers from a disturbance depends on the intensity and magnitude of the disturbance. The major mechanisms of recovery in such ecosystems are primary and secondary succession. Primary succession occurs in a landscape that previously was devoid of life.

Detailed explanation-3: -Disturbances act to disrupt stable ecosystems and clear species’ habitat. As a result, disturbances lead to species movement into the newly cleared area (secondary succession). Once an area is cleared there is a progressive increase in species richness and competition between species takes place.

Detailed explanation-4: -“Because damaged ecosystems rarely recover completely, conservation of ecosystems that are not damaged will be critical to reduce the loss of biodiversity and the valuable byproducts of ecosystems, such as clean water, clean air and medicines developed from their plants.”

Detailed explanation-5: -Disturbance is fundamental to the maintenance and diversity of many ecosystems as it can create heterogeneity in resources, substrate availability, and the physical environment. Climatic disturbances are shown to increase the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of landscapes, permitting the coexistence of species.