Which of the following best explains why ecosystems have trouble adjusting to short-term changes?

• A. All species in an ecosystem can instantly adapt to any change.
• B. Ecosystems are only affected by long-term changes, not short-term ones.
• C. Short-term changes always increase biodiversity.
• D. Organisms may not have enough time to adapt to rapid environmental fluctuations.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of ecosystems: Ecosystems are dynamic systems composed of living organisms (biotic factors) and their physical environment (abiotic factors). They rely on a balance of interactions between these components to function properly.
2. Recognize the difference between short-term and long-term changes: Short-term changes occur over a brief period (e.g., sudden temperature drops, natural disasters), while long-term changes happen over extended periods (e.g., climate change, habitat loss).
3. Consider the adaptability of organisms: Organisms adapt to environmental changes through processes like natural selection, which typically require time. Rapid changes may not allow sufficient time for these adaptations to occur.
4. Analyze the impact of short-term changes: Short-term changes can disrupt the balance of ecosystems by affecting food availability, reproduction cycles, or migration patterns, leading to stress on organisms and potential population declines.
5. Conclude why ecosystems struggle with short-term changes: The inability of organisms to adapt quickly to rapid environmental fluctuations explains why ecosystems have trouble adjusting to short-term changes.