Which method is used to assess the health of an aquatic ecosystem?

Monitoring the diversity and abundance of species is a fundamental method used to assess the health of an aquatic ecosystem because it provides insights into the biological integrity and overall functioning of the environment. A diverse community of species often indicates a resilient ecosystem capable of withstanding changes and stresses, such as pollution or climate variations. High species abundance can signify a productive system, while low abundance may suggest stress or environmental degradation.

Species diversity plays a crucial role in ecosystem stability and resilience, influencing processes like nutrient cycling and energy flow. If an ecosystem has a wide variety of species, it is better equipped to handle disturbances and recover from adverse conditions. Conversely, a decline in species diversity or the presence of only a few species can indicate ecological imbalance or health issues.

Measuring water temperature, tracking fishing activities, and evaluating human population density can provide valuable information about certain aspects of aquatic ecosystems. However, they do not directly reflect the overall ecological health as effectively as monitoring the diversity and abundance of species does. These other factors can influence ecosystem health, but they do not encompass the biotic interactions and interdependencies critical for understanding ecosystem functionality.