Spatial Scales

Question 1

Macro-ecosystem

Answer 1

Covers whole oceans or continents.

Question 2

Meso-ecosystem

Answer 2

Areas within a Macro-ecosystem.

Question 3

Micro-ecosystem

Answer 3

Specific local areas.

Question 4

Impacts on Diversity indices

Answer 4

Considers size of ecosystem,so spatial scales have less of an impact on results.

Question 5

Impacts on Species Interactions

Answer 5

Interactions such as predation and competition can be compared across spatial scales to some extent. The ratios of producers to consumers (first, second, third) remain similar across ecosystems, regardless of ecosystem size.

Question 6

Impacts on Abiotic Factors

Answer 6

Vary considerably across spatial scales. It is uncommon to find comparable abiotic conditions across macro-level ecosystems, so comparisons are usually limited to meso- and micro-level ecosystems.