Ecological Disturbances

What is the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis?

• Small disturbances have the greatest effect on ecosystems

• Moderate disturbances are ideal for biodiversity

• Large disturbances are best for ecosystems

• No disturbances lead to high biodiversity

What happens to ecosystems after intermediate disturbances?

• They become less biodiverse

• They create new habitats with unique niches

• They are completely destroyed

• They return to their original state

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What is primary succession?

• When plants grow in a garden

• When animals migrate to a new habitat

• When a forest regrows after a fire

• When organisms populate an area for the first time

What is the main idea of ecological succession?

• Succession only happens after major disasters

• Animals are the primary drivers of succession

• Stability is the goal of all ecosystems

• Destruction and disturbance lead to beauty and diversity

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What is the role of plants in primary succession?

• They are not involved in primary succession

• They are the primary colonizers

• They follow animals in colonizing new areas

• They only grow after soil is formed

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is the significance of the Permian-Triassic Extinction Event in the context of ecological succession?

• It is an example of a major disturbance leading to primary succession

• It marked the end of ecological succession

• It was caused by human activity

• It had no impact on ecological communities

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which type of plants are often the first to colonize a lifeless area?

• Prokaryotes or protists

• Gymnosperms

• Angiosperms

• Ferns

What is the main advantage of desolate wastelands for pioneer species?

• No competition

• Abundant water

• Rich soil

• High biodiversity

What is secondary succession?

• The final stage of ecological succession

• The colonization of a new area by pioneer species

• The process of soil formation

• The first response after a smaller disturbance

The High Plains ecoregion contains large areas of prairie grass. When there is a drought it causes plants to become dry. Which catastrophic event can occur easily?

• hurricane

• volcanic eruption

• floods

• wildfires

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2