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