Environmental Change

A volcanic eruption covers a wide area of forest with ash, lava, and volcanic rock. Which of these describes the first stage/step of ecological succession that will begin to return biotic factors to the forest community and return it to its state of equilibrium? (7.8A)

• the volcano stops erupting

• the lava cools to form rock

• lichens grow on the rocks

• the rock melts back into lava

When a tree falls in a dense forest, what changes are likely to take place? (7.10C)

• lichens and moss inhabit the area

• the rate of erosion increases

• saplings and small plants thrive in the sunlight

• there is a marked decrease in the amount of available oxygen

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

A wildfire moves through a grassland area. All of the following are examples of how this would affect the local ecosystem, except ____.

• increased nutrients in the soil

• destruction of plant life and animal habitat

• germination of seeds that require fire before maturation can occur

• animals go into hibernation

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Pioneer species such as lichen and moss inhabit an area after a major disturbance, such as a volcanic eruption. Over time, the area has more soil to support more complex plants, and the number of pioneer species decreases. Why does the number of pioneer species decrease? (7.10C)

• the amount of available oxygen for cellular respiration is reduced and the pioneer species can no longer thrive

• competition from more complex plants dcreases available resources and there are less rocks to be broken down by the pioneer species

• the area is more susceptible to the wind and seeds are captured in the pioneer plants and germinate at a higher rat

• the temperature is not as extreme as it was following the disturbance and fewer of the pioneer species reproduce

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Some students take care of a vegetable garden. When it is time to plant in the spring, the students leave part of the garden empty in order to observe ecological succession. Which of these will most likely occur first? (7.10C*)

• development of topsoil

• growth of weeds and grasses

• growth of trees and shrubs

• development of a stream

What two environmental changes can be found in this image?

• pollution and climate change

• climate change and urbanization

• deforestation and pollution

• urbanization and deforestation

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which of the following will have the longest term impact on organisms in an ecosystem?

• flooding

• oil spill

• blizzard

• global warming

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Global Warming

• Short Term

• Long Term

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

Permanent change to an ecosystem

• Short Term

• Long Term

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Can cause extinction

• Short Term

• Long Term

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1