Question

Based on the intermediate disturbance hypothesis, a community’s species diversity is increased by

(A) frequent massive disturbance.

(B) stable conditions with no disturbance.

(C) moderate levels of disturbance.

(D) human intervention to eliminate disturbance.

Short answer

1. The statement “frequent massive disturbance” isfalse.

2. The statement “stable conditions with no disturbance” isfalse.

3. The statement “moderate levels of disturbance” is true.

4. The statement “human intervention to eliminate disturbance” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Intermediate disturbance hypothesis

In ecology, when the ecological disturbance is higher, only species with special adaptation will survive. Species diversity will be higher in a balanced ecological system described by a hypothesis called IDH (intermediate disturbance hypothesis).

Explanation of option ‘(A)’

The event resulting from the natural cause or human activities that disrupt the structure and functioning of an ecosystem is called ecological disturbance.

Thus, the frequent massive disturbance is not seen in the species diversity.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(B)’

The several effects of ecological disturbance on the ecosystem are weakened species, killing off species, ecosystem service loss, and forest fires.

Thus, the disturbance increases community diversity.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(C)’

The ecological disturbance examples are pest outbreaks, landslides, insect outbreaks, windstorms, and fires.

Thus, the community responds to a diverse set of disturbances; moderate disturbance level increases community species diversity.

Therefore, the given statement is true.

Explanation of option ‘(D)’

The distinct examples of human activities causing a disturbance in the ecosystem are pollution, mining, fossil fuel burning, and urbanization.

Thus, human activities result in affecting the ecosystem by causing a disturbance in the environment.

Therefore, the given statement is false.