Natural Disruptions to Ecosystems - AP Environmental Science
- What is one impact of natural wildfires on air quality?
- Increased particulate matter in the air. Smoke and ash particles reduce air quality for organisms.
- What is a common consequence of droughts on ecosystems?
- Reduced water availability for species. Extended dry periods stress plants and animals dependent on water.
- Identify one effect of natural acid rain on ecosystems.
- Soil acidification. Low pH conditions harm plants and alter soil chemistry.
- Identify one way climate change acts as a natural disruption.
- Alters temperature and precipitation patterns. Long-term shifts affect species distributions and ecosystem boundaries.
- What is one impact of severe storms on ecosystems?
- Downing of trees and alteration of habitats. High winds and rain physically damage forest canopy structure.
- Which natural disaster can cause ecosystem disruption through flooding?
- Hurricanes. Storm surge and heavy rains cause widespread flooding in coastal areas.
- What is one consequence of a heatwave on ecosystems?
- Increased mortality rates in species. Extreme heat stresses organisms beyond their thermal tolerance limits.
- Identify a natural process that leads to habitat creation.
- River meandering. Changing river channels create new wetland and riparian habitats.
- What is one way that tsunamis impact coastal ecosystems?
- They can destroy habitats and displace species. Massive waves destroy shoreline vegetation and alter coastal geography.
- Which natural disaster can lead to habitat fragmentation?
- Earthquakes. Ground ruptures can split continuous habitats into isolated patches.
- How do snowstorms affect terrestrial ecosystems?
- Alter availability of food and water. Snow cover limits access to food sources and increases energy demands.
- Which natural event can cause water table depletion?
- Drought. Lack of precipitation reduces groundwater levels affecting plant roots.
- How do cyclones impact terrestrial ecosystems?
- Cause deforestation and habitat loss. Rotating storms with strong winds remove trees and vegetation cover.
- How do mudslides affect terrestrial ecosystems?
- They can bury vegetation and alter topography. Flowing mud covers plants and changes surface elevation permanently.
- Identify a primary effect of landslides on ecosystems.
- Loss of vegetation and habitat. Mass movement of soil and rock removes plants and changes terrain.
- What role do forest fires play in ecosystems?
- They can stimulate new growth and recycle nutrients. Fire creates space for new plants and releases stored soil nutrients.
- What is one effect of a natural landslide on rivers?
- Increased sediment load. Debris from slides increases turbidity and affects aquatic organisms.
- How do avalanches affect mountainous ecosystems?
- They can remove vegetation and alter terrain. Fast-moving snow destroys plants and reshapes mountain landscapes.
- What is the term for species that benefit from natural disruptions?
- Pioneer species. First colonizers that thrive in disturbed environments with little competition.
- What is the definition of a natural disruption in an ecosystem?
- A natural event that causes significant changes to an ecosystem. Disruptions can be temporary or permanent, affecting species and habitats.
- What is one impact of glaciers retreating on ecosystems?
- Loss of freshwater sources. Melting ice reduces water supply that many species depend upon.
- Which natural event can cause loss of biodiversity?
- Volcanic eruptions. Ash clouds and lava flows eliminate species from large areas.
- What is the role of lightning in natural disruptions?
- Can ignite wildfires. Electrical discharges provide ignition source for forest fires.
- How can earthquakes disrupt ecosystems?
- By altering landforms and habitats. Ground movement can create new topography and destroy existing habitats.
- Identify one example of a natural disruption in ecosystems.
- Forest fires. Common disruption that clears vegetation and affects wildlife habitats.
- What is one consequence of a natural ice storm on forests?
- Breakage of tree branches and canopy damage. Ice weight breaks branches and limits light penetration to understory.
- Which natural event can increase sedimentation in rivers?
- Flooding. Water carries soil particles that settle in aquatic systems.
- What is one impact of a meteor impact on ecosystems?
- Can cause mass extinctions. Massive impacts create global environmental changes affecting all life.
- Which natural event can lead to salinization of soil?
- Tsunamis. Saltwater intrusion makes soil unsuitable for most terrestrial plants.
- Name a natural event that can lead to soil erosion.
- Heavy rainfall. Water washes away topsoil, removing nutrients and plant anchoring.
- How do natural disruptions contribute to biodiversity?
- They create new niches and habitats. Disturbances open up resources and space for different species to establish.
- What type of natural event can lead to coral bleaching?
- Increased water temperatures. Heat stress causes corals to expel symbiotic algae, losing color.
- Name one effect of volcanic eruptions on ecosystems.
- Volcanic ash can enrich soil with nutrients. Ash contains minerals like potassium and phosphorus beneficial to plants.
- Identify a natural disruption caused by wind.
- Tornadoes. Rotating wind systems can uproot trees and damage vegetation.
- Which natural event can cause changes in oceanic ecosystems?
- El Niño. Climate pattern that alters ocean temperatures and currents globally.
- Identify an ecosystem that benefits from periodic flooding.
- Floodplain ecosystems. Regular flooding deposits nutrients and maintains wetland productivity.
- Identify a natural process that can replenish soil nutrients.
- Volcanic eruptions. Lava and ash add minerals that enrich soil for plant growth.
- Which natural event can lead to increased forest fire risk?
- Drought. Dry conditions create flammable vegetation and reduce soil moisture.