1. VII. Balance in the Ecosystem

2. A. Interconnectedness
1. All life affects itself and the things that surround it
2. All natural ecosystems are stable
a. Known as equilibrium
b. If they are not, they die

3. B. Replacement
1. An ecosystem destroyed by a catastrophe will be replaced by a new one
2. Very complex and not fully understood
3. May be explained by the chaos theory

4. a. Minor changes may affect the. ability of an ecosystem to function
a. Minor changes may affect the ability of an ecosystem to function at a later date
b. Known as the ripple effect
4. Species are becoming extinct at the highest rate since the dinosaurs
a. Mostly due to human interaction