2.5 Natural Disruptions to Ecosystems

Natural Disturbances

A natural events that disrupts the structure and or function of an ecosystem

Examples of natural disturbances

Tornadoes, hurricanes, asteroids, forest fires, drought

What are the 3 time tables that natural disturbances occur on?

Periodic, episodic, random time frames

Periodic natural disturbances

Occurs with regular frequency (predictable)

Example of periodic natural disturbances

Dry-wet seasons

Episodic natural disturbances

Occasional events with irregular frequency

Examples of episodic natural disturbances

Hurricanes, drought, fires

Random natural disturbances

No regular frequency

Examples of natural disturbances

Volcanoes, asteroids, earthquakes

Natural climate change

Earth’s climate has varied over geological time for numerous reasons

Examples of natural climate change

Slight changes in earth’s orbit and tilt cause mini ice ages and warmer periods

Why does sea level vary?

It varies over geological time due to glacial ice on earth melting and forming

How does environmental change result in habitat disruption?

Major environmental disturbances

Examples of environmental change resulting in habitat disruption

Rising sea level floods coastal and estuary habitats

The effect of natural disruptions on migration

Wildlife may migrate to a new habitat as a result of natural disruptions

Example of natural disruptions causing migration

Wildebeest migrating to follow the rain patterns of the African savanna