← Back to Test

Problem 6 - Olympiad

Two ecologists are discussing the stability of a rainforest ecosystem after a moderate disturbance, such as a localized wildfire. Ecologist A believes the ecosystem will quickly return to its pre-disturbance state due to its high biodiversity and resilience. Ecologist B argues that even a moderate disturbance can trigger irreversible shifts to a new, less diverse steady state, especially given increasing global temperatures. Which of the following experimental designs would best test the core difference between their predictions?

Correct: A

Ecologist A predicts a return to the pre-disturbance state (resilience), while Ecologist B predicts an irreversible shift to a new, less diverse state. Monitoring species richness and community composition (Choice A) directly measures biodiversity and the specific types of organisms present. By comparing disturbed and undisturbed plots over a long period, one can observe whether the disturbed plot returns to the original state (supporting A) or shifts to a different state (supporting B). This directly addresses the central point of contention: the long-term trajectory of the ecosystem after disturbance.