Which of the following best describes a resilient ecosystem?

Study for the IB Environmental Systems and Societies Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

A resilient ecosystem is characterized by its ability to quickly rebound from disturbances while maintaining its essential functions and structure. This resilience allows ecosystems to adapt to changes or disruptions, such as natural disasters, human activities, or environmental stressors.

When an ecosystem has high resilience, it can recover swiftly from impacts like droughts, floods, or invasive species, ensuring that the biodiversity and ecosystem services it provides are sustained. Such ecosystems often have diverse species, which contribute to their ability to cope with changes and recover effectively.

In contrast, an ecosystem that remains static over time lacks the adaptability necessary for resilience, and one that cannot recover from disturbances demonstrates a fragility that undermines its sustainability. Additionally, a habitat with low species diversity is typically less resilient, as fewer species can lead to a reduced capacity for recovery when faced with disturbances. Thus, the key characteristic of a resilient ecosystem is its capacity for quick recovery and adaptation.

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