ECO 13: Abiotic Impacts on Ecosystems

ECO 13: Abiotic Impacts on Ecosystems

When an ecosystem changes back and forth within a small range, it is considered stable. When an ecosystem does not return to its original state, it is unstable, and it changes permanently.


Compare and contrast how the cycling of matter and the flow of energy within an ecosystem change after the following types of disruptions

Open Ended

Compare and contrast how the cycling of matter and the flow of energy within an ecosystem change after an abrupt ecosystem change, like a fire.

Open Ended

• Compare and contrast how the cycling of matter and the flow of energy within an ecosystem change after an ecosystem change that occurs over time, like a drought.

Open Ended

Does it matter if the disruption happens suddenly or gradually? Explain.

Open Ended

• Explain why owls take longer to return to a forest ecosystem after a fire than do plants or voles. (GRADED)

Open Ended

Should fires caused by lightning in forests or prairies be put out or left to burn? Explain your thinking.

disruption: A disturbance that affects an ecosystem

Review Vocabulary

energy pyramid: A simple model of energy flow within a food web

stable: Not changing or resistant to change

unstable: When an ecosystem does not return to
its original state