Catastrophic events and Ecosystems

A flood will have a greater effect on a habitat than a heavy rainfall event because a flood -

• is followed by strong winds that greatly affect a habitat.

• strikes more quickly, not allowing organisms to migrate.

• brings salt and other substances that harm plants.

• happens more often and lasts much longer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Tornadoes are catastrophic events that create change in ecosystems in which of the following ways?

• Heavy flooding increases areas where trees can grow.

• High winds damage areas of important plant life.

• Wildfires started by lightning reduce carbon dioxide.

• Saltwater kills many ground-dwelling animals.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What change would most likely be observed in the nonliving parts of an ecosystem after a hurricane?

• Taller sand dunes on the beach

• Increase in oxygen in the atmosphere

• Less sunlight reaching ground level

• Higher levels of soil nutrients

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

The extremely strong winds associated with a tornado will have the greatest negative effect on which of the following kinds of organisms?

• Fish that feed around coral reefs

• Smaller mammals that burrow underground

• Birds and other animals that use trees for shelter

• Organisms that feed on decaying plants and animals

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which is not an impact to the ecosystem after a drought?

• Water is scarce and causes organisms to find new sources of water elsewhere.
• Floods will wipe out all the vegetation
• Herbivores will have to leave and find food elsewhere

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which of these is not an impact to the ecosystem after a hurricane?

• Fires throughout the area
• Poor water quality in the area
• Erosion of beaches
• Massive flooding

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

A recent flood in the area has caused many short term changes to the ecosystem. Which is a long term change?

• Standing water in the streets and sewers
• Temporary displacement of organisms
• Permanent change in the landscape
• Poor water quality in rivers and streams

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which is the best synonym for catastrophic?

• Advantageous
• Successful
• Disaster
• Fortunate

Lava or ash spewing from a mountain vent.

• Earthquake
• Flood
• Drought
• Volcano

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Caused by an unusually large amount of water for an area

• Earthquake
• Flood
• Drought
• Volcano

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2