Natural Disruptions and Their Impact on Ecosystems

Mr. Smeeds discusses natural disruptions to ecosystems, including their impact and time scales. He explains natural climate change, sea level rise, and their effects on habitats. The video also covers how environmental changes influence species migration patterns.

What is a natural disturbance in an ecosystem?

• A human activity that alters the environment

• A seasonal change in weather patterns

• A planned event to manage wildlife

• A natural event that disrupts ecosystem structure or function

Which of the following is an example of a periodic natural disturbance?

• Earthquakes

• Hurricanes

• Wet and dry seasons

• Asteroid impacts

What characterizes episodic natural disturbances?

• They are caused by human activities

• They happen frequently but not at regular intervals

• They are completely unpredictable

• They occur at regular intervals

What is a key factor in natural climate change over long periods?

• Human industrial activities

• Changes in Earth's orbit and tilt

• Deforestation

• Volcanic eruptions

How do increased carbon dioxide levels naturally affect the climate?

• They cause immediate global cooling

• They lead to warmer periods and ice cap melting

• They have no effect on climate

• They cool the atmosphere

What happens to coastal estuaries as sea levels rise?

• They become freshwater lakes

• They expand and create more habitats

• They remain unchanged

• They become more saline and lose habitat area

Why do aquatic plants struggle with rising sea levels?

• They thrive in deeper waters

• They receive less sunlight due to increased water depth

• They are exposed to more predators

• They receive too much sunlight

How does climate change affect bird migration patterns?

• Birds migrate earlier to match food availability

• Birds stop migrating altogether

• Birds migrate to the same places as before

• Birds migrate later in the year

What is a consequence of ocean warming on marine species?

• Marine species migrate south

• Marine species migrate north to cooler waters

• Marine species remain in their original habitats

• Marine species stop migrating

What is a predictable pattern of migration caused by natural disturbances?

• Fish migrating to warmer waters

• Wildebeest following the rainy season

• Birds migrating randomly

• Insects migrating to urban areas