Question
Based on the data shown in the graph which of the following best describes how ec ecologists could determine when this ecosystem is approaching a climax community? A Determine if the keystone species in the ecosystem is present two years after the volcanic eruption B Measure the biomass of the pioneer species present before and after the volcanic eruption C Record the number and type of producers present every year after the eruption D Calculate the net primary productivity of a specific indicator species every year after the eruption
Answer
4
(317 Votes)
Barclay
Elite · Tutor for 8 years
Answer
To answer this question, we need to understand what a climax community is and how it relates to the number of plant species in an ecosystem. A climax community is a stable, mature ecological community with little change in the composition of species. It is the final stage of succession, occurring when the ecosystem is in balance and there is little likelihood of further succession.Now, let's evaluate the options given:A. Determine if the keystone species in the ecosystem is present two years after the volcanic eruption.- The presence of a keystone species two years after an eruption does not necessarily indicate that the ecosystem is approaching a climax community. Keystone species are important for the structure of a community, but their presence alone does not provide enough information about the overall maturity of the ecosystem.B. Measure the biomass of the pioneer species present before and after the volcanic eruption.- Pioneer species are the first to colonize an area after a disturbance, such as a volcanic eruption. While measuring the biomass of these species can provide information about the initial stages of succession, it does not directly indicate when the ecosystem is approaching a climax community.C. Record the number and type of producers present every year after the eruption.- Recording the number and type of producers (plants) every year after the eruption would provide information about the diversity and changes in the plant community over time. As the ecosystem progresses through stages of succession, the number and variety of plant species typically increase until a stable climax community is reached. This option is the most relevant to determining when the ecosystem is approaching a climax community.D. Calculate the net primary productivity of a specific indicator species every year after the eruption.- Net primary productivity is a measure of the rate at which plants produce useful chemical energy. While this can indicate the health and growth rate of a specific species, it does not provide comprehensive information about the overall plant community or its progression towards a climax community.Based on the understanding of a climax community and the options provided, the best choice is:(C) Record the number and type of producers present every year after the eruption.This method would allow ecologists to observe the changes in plant diversity and composition over time, which is essential for determining when the ecosystem is approaching a climax community.Final Answer: C