Use of English - Multiple Choice

Forest Diversity

Biodiversity is often discussed in terms of the number of species in a given habitat, but ecologists argue that this is only one part of the picture. A forest may appear rich in life and yet be highly vulnerable if key relationships between organisms are not properly understood. For instance, when a dominant species is removed, the effects may (0) RIPPLE through the entire system. What seems at first to be a minor change can (1) .......... into a major ecological imbalance. Researchers therefore try to measure not only species richness but also the extent to which different organisms depend (2) .......... one another. Pollinators, fungi and soil bacteria all play roles that are easy to overlook, yet they are essential to nutrient cycling and plant regeneration. If one component declines, the ecosystem may lose its capacity to recover from disturbance. In this sense, resilience is not simply a matter of size, but of how well the system can (3) .......... shocks. Conservationists also warn against focusing exclusively on charismatic animals. Protecting an ecosystem requires a broader (4) .......... that includes genetic variation, habitat connectivity and long-term stability. Unless policies are based on solid evidence, efforts to restore damaged environments may (5) .......... short of their goals. This is why scientists place great emphasis on field data, careful monitoring and the need to (6) .......... between natural fluctuation and human-induced decline. Only then can effective strategies be (7) .......... into practice and vulnerable habitats be protected for future generations. In short, ecology depends as much on understanding complex interactions as on counting the species that (8) .......... them.