Ecosystem responses to changes in components or environmental controls
When one part of an ecosystem changes — such as temperature, rainfall, or a species population — the rest of the system adjusts in response. These adjustments can stabilise the ecosystem or push it into a new state.
Real World
After wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park in 1995, elk behaviour changed, riverbank vegetation recovered, and river channels narrowed — a cascade of positive and negative feedbacks triggered by one species.
Exam Focus
Identify whether a feedback is positive or negative and state clearly whether it amplifies or dampens the original change; examiners award marks for precise terminology.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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