Final answer:
"The 'balance of nature' that characterizes well-functioning ecosystems occurs because of predominantly positive feedback mechanisms" is False.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that "The 'balance of nature' that characterizes well-functioning ecosystems occurs because of predominantly positive feedback mechanisms" is False.
In reality, the balance of nature in ecosystems is maintained through a combination of positive and negative feedback mechanisms. Positive feedback mechanisms amplify changes in an ecosystem, while negative feedback mechanisms help regulate and stabilize the system.
For example, in a predator-prey relationship, positive feedback occurs when an increase in prey population leads to an increase in predator population. However, this positive feedback is limited by negative feedback mechanisms, such as limited resources, which eventually reduce the predator population and bring the ecosystem back to a balanced state.