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Multiple Choice
Which term best describes a major disturbance that causes an ecosystem to stabilize at a new equilibrium?
A
Ecological regime shift
B
Ecological resilience
C
Ecological succession
D
Carrying capacity
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the key terms in the question: 'Ecological regime shift,' 'Ecological resilience,' 'Ecological succession,' and 'Carrying capacity.' Each term has a specific meaning in ecology.
Define 'Ecological regime shift': This refers to a significant, often abrupt change in an ecosystem that leads to a new stable state or equilibrium. It is typically caused by a major disturbance, such as climate change, habitat destruction, or invasive species.
Define 'Ecological resilience': This is the ability of an ecosystem to absorb disturbances and return to its original state without undergoing a fundamental change.
Define 'Ecological succession': This is the natural process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, often following a disturbance, but it does not necessarily result in a new equilibrium.
Define 'Carrying capacity': This is the maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely, given the available resources. It is unrelated to disturbances causing new equilibria.