Factors That Support a Stable Ecosystem

Stable Population

• Populations need to remain stable from year to year and ample prey must be available for the predators to maintain balance in the ecosystem. This affects the entire ecosystem, which may not be able to adapt to the loss or gain of animals. For example, a sudden lack of predators will produce a larger amount of unchecked prey that could overfeed on native plants. Overfeeding will kill the plants and leave less food sources for all creatures.

Population Diversity

• Diversity is an important factor in keeping ecosystems stable. More diverse populations of organisms, plants and animals provide a better chance for an ecosystem to remain stable. An example of this can be found with bacteria and worms, and their roles in an ecosystem. They break down materials which help to feed plants. In turn, the plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. However, sometimes the addition of animals or plants from other ecosystems throws off the delicate balance of an ecosystem. These new species could alter the entire area by adapting it to fit their own needs instead of adapting to its current environment.

Limit Pollution

• Pollution can have far-reaching effects on an ecosystem, possibly upsetting the balance or even causing a collapse. The optimum solution to maintain stability is allowing no pollution to enter the ecosystem. However, this is virtually impossible, so minimizing the impact from pollution becomes the most attainable goal to protect any ecosystem. Ways to do this include filtering water supplies as well as preventing the spread of toxins by air.

Weather

• Changes in weather can cause severe changes in the ecosystem, including the death of plants and animals unable to cope with the differences. Temperatures must remain constant or as close as possible to the region's ideal. For example, a warmer climate is necessary to sustain the tropical ecosystem while a frigid climate helps to maintain arctic ecosystems. Other weather elements that create changes include the amount of moisture for an area as well as dramatic events like hurricanes and tornadoes.