2.5: Natural Disruptions to Ecosystems

Flashcards covering natural disturbances, climate variation, sea level changes, and ecological responses described in the notes (Pages 2–6).

natural disturbances

Natural events that disrupt the structure and/or function of an ecosystem.

periodic

Occurs with regular frequency (e.g., the regular dry–wet seasons).

episodic

Occasional events with irregular frequency (e.g., hurricanes, droughts, fires).

random

Events with no regular frequency (e.g., volcanoes, earthquakes, asteroids).

natural climate change

Long-term variations in Earth’s climate caused by multiple factors, including orbital changes and tilt that create mini ice ages and warmer periods.

sea level variations (masl)

Changes in sea level over geological time as glacial ice melts and forms; masl stands for meters above sea level.

CO2 (ppm)

Concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, measured in parts per million.

ice cores

Ice core data used to infer past CO2 levels and climate.

Keeling Curve

Graph showing atmospheric CO2 concentrations over time.

sea-level change

Historical variations in sea level indicated by geological records and climate data.

environmental disturbances

Major disturbances that result in widespread habitat changes and/or loss.

habitat disruption

Disruption or alteration of a habitat caused by environmental disturbances.

migration

Wildlife moving to a new habitat as a result of natural disruptions.

phenology

Timing of seasonal biological events (e.g., migration, breeding, insect hatching) and how it shifts with warming climate.

MASL

Abbreviation for meters above sea level; used in reporting sea level data.