Which type of organisms serve as indicators of ecosystem health?

Indicator species are organisms used to assess the health and quality of an ecosystem. These species are particularly sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, such as pollution levels, habitat alterations, and climate change. Because they respond quickly to changes in their surroundings, their presence or absence can provide valuable insights into the overall wellbeing of the ecosystem.

In many cases, the health of an ecosystem can be gauged by the abundance and diversity of indicator species. For instance, certain amphibians or macroinvertebrates are known to be highly sensitive to water quality. If populations of these organisms decline, it may indicate that the ecosystem is experiencing stress, possibly due to pollution or habitat degradation. Conversely, a rich and diverse population of these species suggests that the ecosystem is healthy and functioning well.

The other types of organisms, while important to the ecosystem, do not specifically serve the same role in monitoring ecosystem health as indicator species do. Predators, herbivores, and decomposers contribute to ecosystem dynamics and nutrient cycling but are not necessarily sensitive to environmental changes in the same way that indicator species are. This unique sensitivity and role in gauging environmental conditions make indicator species crucial for ecological monitoring and conservation efforts.