Explain which ecosystem is more resilient by describing what would happen to each if the wrasse went extinct.

The impact of the extinction of wrasse fish would vary between ecosystems based on their structure, interspecies relationships, and dependence on the wrasse.

1. Coral Reef Ecosystem:

   • Role of Wrasse: Wrasse play a crucial role in coral reef ecosystems as cleaners. They remove parasites and dead tissue from larger fish, promoting fish health and maintaining population balances.
   • Impact of Extinction: If wrasse were to go extinct, larger fish species that rely on wrasse for cleaning would likely experience increased disease and parasite loads. This could lead to a decline in their populations, which in turn would affect predator-prey relationships within the reef. The overall biodiversity of the reef may decrease as fish populations collapse, leading to a less resilient ecosystem.

2. Rocky Intertidal Ecosystem:

   • Role of Wrasse: In these ecosystems, wrasse are often important as grazers. They help control algal populations on substrates, contributing to the overall balance of the ecosystem.
   • Impact of Extinction: The absence of wrasse could lead to an overgrowth of algae, which can smother critical habitats and outcompete other species. This change would destabilize the ecosystem, potentially leading to a reduction in biodiversity as other species struggle to survive under changed conditions.

Conclusion

Based on these descriptions, the coral reef ecosystem may ultimately be less resilient to the extinction of wrasse due to the interconnectedness of species and the critical cleaning services the wrasse provide. In contrast, while the rocky intertidal ecosystem would also suffer from the loss of wrasse, the effects may be more localized to specific areas rather than sweeping across a broader community of species. Consequently, the coral reef ecosystem's intricate web of interdependencies renders it more vulnerable to disruptions.