Natural Disruptions to Ecosystems - AP Environmental Science

Forest fires. Common disruption that clears vegetation and affects wildlife habitats.

Reduced water availability for species. Extended dry periods stress plants and animals dependent on water.

El Niño. Climate pattern that alters ocean temperatures and currents globally.

Flooding. Water carries soil particles that settle in aquatic systems.

Soil acidification. Low pH conditions harm plants and alter soil chemistry.

They can bury vegetation and alter topography. Flowing mud covers plants and changes surface elevation permanently.

River meandering. Changing river channels create new wetland and riparian habitats.

Drought. Lack of precipitation reduces groundwater levels affecting plant roots.

Breakage of tree branches and canopy damage. Ice weight breaks branches and limits light penetration to understory.

Increased mortality rates in species. Extreme heat stresses organisms beyond their thermal tolerance limits.

They can remove vegetation and alter terrain. Fast-moving snow destroys plants and reshapes mountain landscapes.

Tornadoes. Rotating wind systems can uproot trees and damage vegetation.

Pioneer species. First colonizers that thrive in disturbed environments with little competition.

Drought. Dry conditions create flammable vegetation and reduce soil moisture.

By altering landforms and habitats. Ground movement can create new topography and destroy existing habitats.

Volcanic ash can enrich soil with nutrients. Ash contains minerals like potassium and phosphorus beneficial to plants.

They can stimulate new growth and recycle nutrients. Fire creates space for new plants and releases stored soil nutrients.

A natural event that causes significant changes to an ecosystem. Disruptions can be temporary or permanent, affecting species and habitats.

They create new niches and habitats. Disturbances open up resources and space for different species to establish.

Increased particulate matter in the air. Smoke and ash particles reduce air quality for organisms.

Volcanic eruptions. Ash clouds and lava flows eliminate species from large areas.

Can ignite wildfires. Electrical discharges provide ignition source for forest fires.

Alters temperature and precipitation patterns. Long-term shifts affect species distributions and ecosystem boundaries.

Heavy rainfall. Water washes away topsoil, removing nutrients and plant anchoring.

Can cause mass extinctions. Massive impacts create global environmental changes affecting all life.

Increased water temperatures. Heat stress causes corals to expel symbiotic algae, losing color.

Cause deforestation and habitat loss. Rotating storms with strong winds remove trees and vegetation cover.

Tsunamis. Saltwater intrusion makes soil unsuitable for most terrestrial plants.

Alter availability of food and water. Snow cover limits access to food sources and increases energy demands.