Ecosystem disruption

Definition

Ecosystem disruption refers to the significant disturbance of the natural balance within an ecosystem, which can lead to altered species interactions, habitat loss, and changes in biodiversity. This disruption often stems from external factors such as invasive species, pollution, climate change, or human activities that affect the delicate relationships between organisms and their environment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ecosystem disruption can result in reduced biodiversity as native species are outcompeted or driven to extinction by invasive species.
2. The introduction of invasive species can alter nutrient cycling and energy flow within an ecosystem, affecting all trophic levels.
3. Ecosystem disruptions often have cascading effects, where the decline of one species can lead to the destabilization of others reliant on it.
4. Restoration efforts may be required to recover ecosystems from disruption, which can include removing invasive species and reintroducing native flora and fauna.
5. Human activities like urban development, agriculture, and deforestation are major contributors to ecosystem disruption worldwide.

Review Questions

• How do invasive species contribute to ecosystem disruption?
  • Invasive species contribute to ecosystem disruption by introducing competition for resources among native species. These non-native organisms can thrive in their new environment due to a lack of natural predators and can quickly outcompete local flora and fauna. As a result, native species may decline or even become extinct, leading to significant changes in community structure and function within the ecosystem.
• Discuss the role of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem stability and resilience against disruptions.
  • Biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem stability by ensuring a variety of species that fulfill different ecological roles. High biodiversity enhances resilience against disruptions because diverse ecosystems are better equipped to withstand changes and recover from disturbances. For example, if one species is affected by an invasive organism or disease, other species can fill its ecological role, maintaining the overall function of the ecosystem.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of habitat loss on ecosystems and how they relate to ecosystem disruption.
  • The long-term impacts of habitat loss on ecosystems are profound, leading to decreased biodiversity and altered ecological processes. Habitat loss diminishes the availability of resources for native species and disrupts their interactions within the community. Over time, this can result in reduced ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, and carbon storage. The connections between habitat loss and ecosystem disruption are critical; without intervention and restoration efforts, these disrupted ecosystems may struggle to recover or could permanently lose their ecological integrity.

Related terms

Invasive Species: Non-native organisms that spread rapidly in a new environment, often outcompeting local species and disrupting existing ecosystems.

Biodiversity: The variety of life forms in a given ecosystem, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity, which contributes to resilience against disruptions.

Habitat Loss: The degradation or destruction of natural habitats, often due to human activities, leading to the decline of species and ecosystem functions.