AP ES Natural Disruptions

natural disturbance

event in nature that disrupts the normal functioning of an ecosystem

How do natural disturbances affect energy and matter cycling in ecosystems?


They interrupt energy and matter cycling through the ecosystem

Name three examples of natural disturbances.


Tornadoes, hurricanes, and fires

What are the three different time scales for natural disturbances?


Periodic, episodic, and random

periodic event

It occurs with some regular frequency and is somewhat predictable

Give an example of a periodic event in ecosystems.


The wet and dry seasons in the savannah

Episodic event

sudden, often unexpected occurrence that disrupts an ecosystem but doesn’t happen all the time

Random event

unexpected occurrence that can disrupt an ecosystem, but it happens by chance rather than following a regular pattern