APES - 2.5 - Natural Disruptions to Ecosystems 2023/2024 already passed

APES - 2.5 - Natural Disruptions to EcosystemsNatural Disturbances - correct answer A natural event that disrupts the structure and or function of an ecosystem - can occur on periodic, episodic, or random time frames - ex: tornados, hurricanes, asteroids, forest fires, droughts Natural disturbances can be... - correct answer ... even greater than human disruptions Periodic - correct answer occurs with regular frequency - ex: dry-wet seasons Episodic - correct answer Occasional events w/ irregular frequency - ex: hurricanes, droughts, fires Random - correct answer No regular frequency - ex: volcanoes, earthquakes, & asteroids Natural Climate Change pt.1 - correct answer Earth's climate has varied over geologic time for numerous reasons - ex: slight changes in earth's orbit & tilt cause mini ice ages & warmer periods Natural Climate Change pt.2 - correct answer Sea level has varied over geological time as glacial ice on earth melts & forms - Increased CO2 levels lead to warmer temp, melting of glacial ice and sea level rise Env. Change = Hab. Disruption - correct answer Major environmental disturbances result in widespread habitat changes and or loss - Ex: rising sea level floods coastal & estuary habitats Migration - correct answer Wildlife may migrate to a new habitat as the result of natural disruptions - ex: wildebeests migrating to follow rain patterns of African savanna - Ocean species moving further north as water temperature warms - Bird migration patterns shift earlier as insect hatching shifts earlier w/ changing climate