All flashcards
Flashcard 1: Identify a natural process that leads to habitat creation.
Answer: River meandering. Changing river channels create new wetland and riparian habitats.
Flashcard 2: Identify one example of a natural disruption in ecosystems.
Answer: Forest fires. Common disruption that clears vegetation and affects wildlife habitats.
Flashcard 3: What is a common consequence of droughts on ecosystems?
Answer: Reduced water availability for species. Extended dry periods stress plants and animals dependent on water.
Flashcard 4: Which natural event can cause changes in oceanic ecosystems?
Answer: El Niño. Climate pattern that alters ocean temperatures and currents globally.
Flashcard 5: Which natural event can increase sedimentation in rivers?
Answer: Flooding. Water carries soil particles that settle in aquatic systems.
Flashcard 6: Identify one effect of natural acid rain on ecosystems.
Answer: Soil acidification. Low pH conditions harm plants and alter soil chemistry.
Flashcard 7: How do mudslides affect terrestrial ecosystems?
Answer: They can bury vegetation and alter topography. Flowing mud covers plants and changes surface elevation permanently.
Flashcard 8: Identify a natural process that leads to habitat creation.
Answer: River meandering. Changing river channels create new wetland and riparian habitats.
Flashcard 9: Which natural event can cause water table depletion?
Answer: Drought. Lack of precipitation reduces groundwater levels affecting plant roots.
Flashcard 10: What is one consequence of a natural ice storm on forests?
Answer: Breakage of tree branches and canopy damage. Ice weight breaks branches and limits light penetration to understory.
Flashcard 11: What is one consequence of a heatwave on ecosystems?
Answer: Increased mortality rates in species. Extreme heat stresses organisms beyond their thermal tolerance limits.
Flashcard 12: How do avalanches affect mountainous ecosystems?
Answer: They can remove vegetation and alter terrain. Fast-moving snow destroys plants and reshapes mountain landscapes.
Flashcard 13: Identify a natural disruption caused by wind.
Answer: Tornadoes. Rotating wind systems can uproot trees and damage vegetation.
Flashcard 14: What is the term for species that benefit from natural disruptions?
Answer: Pioneer species. First colonizers that thrive in disturbed environments with little competition.
Flashcard 15: Which natural event can lead to increased forest fire risk?
Answer: Drought. Dry conditions create flammable vegetation and reduce soil moisture.
Flashcard 16: How can earthquakes disrupt ecosystems?
Answer: By altering landforms and habitats. Ground movement can create new topography and destroy existing habitats.
Flashcard 17: Name one effect of volcanic eruptions on ecosystems.
Answer: Volcanic ash can enrich soil with nutrients. Ash contains minerals like potassium and phosphorus beneficial to plants.
Flashcard 18: What role do forest fires play in ecosystems?
Answer: They can stimulate new growth and recycle nutrients. Fire creates space for new plants and releases stored soil nutrients.
Flashcard 19: What is the definition of a natural disruption in an ecosystem?
Answer: A natural event that causes significant changes to an ecosystem. Disruptions can be temporary or permanent, affecting species and habitats.
Flashcard 20: How do natural disruptions contribute to biodiversity?
Answer: They create new niches and habitats. Disturbances open up resources and space for different species to establish.
Flashcard 21: What is one impact of natural wildfires on air quality?
Answer: Increased particulate matter in the air. Smoke and ash particles reduce air quality for organisms.
Flashcard 22: Which natural event can cause loss of biodiversity?
Answer: Volcanic eruptions. Ash clouds and lava flows eliminate species from large areas.
Flashcard 23: What is the role of lightning in natural disruptions?
Answer: Can ignite wildfires. Electrical discharges provide ignition source for forest fires.
Flashcard 24: Identify one way climate change acts as a natural disruption.
Answer: Alters temperature and precipitation patterns. Long-term shifts affect species distributions and ecosystem boundaries.
Flashcard 25: Name a natural event that can lead to soil erosion.
Answer: Heavy rainfall. Water washes away topsoil, removing nutrients and plant anchoring.
Flashcard 26: What is one impact of a meteor impact on ecosystems?
Answer: Can cause mass extinctions. Massive impacts create global environmental changes affecting all life.
Flashcard 27: What type of natural event can lead to coral bleaching?
Answer: Increased water temperatures. Heat stress causes corals to expel symbiotic algae, losing color.
Flashcard 28: How do cyclones impact terrestrial ecosystems?
Answer: Cause deforestation and habitat loss. Rotating storms with strong winds remove trees and vegetation cover.
Flashcard 29: Which natural event can lead to salinization of soil?
Answer: Tsunamis. Saltwater intrusion makes soil unsuitable for most terrestrial plants.
Flashcard 30: How do snowstorms affect terrestrial ecosystems?
Answer: Alter availability of food and water. Snow cover limits access to food sources and increases energy demands.