Organisms in ecosystems compete and cooperate with each other. This is part of the natural cycle of ecosystems. If the competition and cooperation balance each other out, the ecosystem can remain stable for hundreds or even thousands of years. Which of the following represents an organism interaction that encourages long-term ecosystem stability?

Question

A.
Plants use energy from the Sun, cats eat all of the plants, and they leave nothing for the birds.
B.
Plants produce energy from the Sun, birds feed on the plants, and then, they die.
C.
Plants use energy from the Sun, birds eat the plants, and cats eat the birds.
D.
Clouds do not allow for plants to get their energy, and they wilt, which takes a food option away from the birds.

Answer 1

B. Plants produce energy from the Sun, birds feed on the plants, and then they die. In this scenario, the death of the birds contributes to the nutrient cycle by providing food for decomposers, which in turn enrich the soil for new plant growth. This interaction supports ecosystem stability in the long-term.