U2: 2.5 Flashcards
Define Natural Disruptions to Ecosystems
Natural events that disrupt the structure and/or function of an ecosystem
Natural disruptions can be even greater than human disruption
Example of Natural Disruptions
Tornados, hurricanes, asteroids, forest fires, drought
Define Periodic and give an example
Occurs with regular frequency (ex: wet/dry seasons)
Define Episodic and provide an example
Occasional events with irregular frequency (ex: earthquakes, droughts, fires)
Define Random time frames and provide an example
No regular frequency (tornados, asteroids)
Describe Natural Climate Change
Earth’s climate has varied naturally over geologic time
Two examples of natural climate change
•Changes in amount of SOLAR RADIATION as earth’s orbit moves slightly closer or further from sun
•changes in concentration of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
Describe sea level change
Sea level has varied over geological time as glacial ice on earth melts and forms
Describe the relationship between environmental change and habitat disruption
Major environmental disturbances result in widespread habitat changes and/or loss
Example of environmental change / habitat disruption
Rising sea level floods coastal and estuary habitats
Describe migration
Wildlife engage in short-term or long-term migration to a new habitat as the result of natural disruptions or seasonal changes to resources
Examples of migration
•wildebeasts migrating to follow rain patterns of African savanna
•birds migrate south to winter due to temp/flood abundance
•monarch butterflies migrate south to Mexico for winter
Migration / Habitat disruption
Habitat disrupted by fire, volcano, flood, climate change, etc. can lead to long-term wildlife migration
