What is an extreme disturbance to any ecosystem? (1 point)
Elk overgrazing
Hurricanes
Coral bleaching
Extreme temperature change
When an ecosystem is disturbed by fire or toxic chemicals, it affects (1 point)
One type of habitat in the ecosystem
One type of food source in the ecosystem
Living things in that ecosystem
Only a particular species in that ecosystem
If deer are not hunted every season, a potential result is (1 point)
The predator population will decrease
The deer population will decrease
The plant population will increase will increase
The smaller herbivore population will decrease
An example of a severe disruption to an ecosystem is (1 point)
A seasonal flooding of a river
A thunderstorm that knocks down some trees
Repurposing a building in a downtown area
The loss of a river system due to contamination
If an ecosystem irreversibility destroyed, species unable to travel or adapt will (1 point)
Find a new food source
Die out in the area
Find additional mates
Grow in population
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Here are the correct answers and their explanations:
- What is an extreme disturbance to any ecosystem?
- Correct Answer: Hurricanes Explanation: Hurricanes are an extreme disturbance to ecosystems because they can cause widespread physical damage to habitats, displace species, and dramatically alter the environment. Hurricanes involve intense wind speeds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges that can flood coastal areas, uproot trees, and change the landscape. The other options (elk overgrazing, coral bleaching, and extreme temperature change) may certainly be disruptive but do not represent the immediate, widespread, and physical devastation that hurricanes typically cause. Overgrazing by elk and coral bleaching result in more gradual and specific environmental impacts, while extreme temperature change can disrupt ecosystems, but hurricanes bring sudden and large-scale disturbances.
- When an ecosystem is disturbed by fire or toxic chemicals, it affects:
- Correct Answer: Living things in that ecosystem Explanation: Fires or toxic chemicals impact the living organisms within an ecosystem, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. The disturbance alters the habitat, food sources, and overall conditions for survival. These disturbances may not only harm specific food sources or habitats but have broader impacts across all life forms in the ecosystem. Fires can destroy vegetation and habitats, and toxic chemicals can poison water and soil, harming all forms of life. Therefore, the most accurate response is that these disturbances affect the living things in the ecosystem.
- If deer are not hunted every season, a potential result is:
- Correct Answer: The plant population will increase Explanation: If deer are not hunted, their population may grow larger, leading to increased grazing pressure on plants. However, without hunting, deer will consume more vegetation, potentially causing a reduction in plant populations. As the deer population grows, they consume more plant life, and some plant species may become overgrazed or unable to regenerate. The plant population increasing would be the result of fewer deer eating them, allowing plants to grow freely without as much predation.
- An example of a severe disruption to an ecosystem is:
- Correct Answer: The loss of a river system due to contamination Explanation: The loss of a river system due to contamination represents a severe disruption to an ecosystem because rivers provide essential water sources, habitat, and food for many species. Pollution or contamination can lead to the death of aquatic organisms, disrupt the food chain, and permanently damage the ecosystem. The other examples, such as seasonal flooding or thunderstorms, represent natural occurrences that can disturb an ecosystem temporarily but do not usually cause irreversible damage. Repurposing a building is a human-driven action that doesn’t directly disrupt natural ecosystems on a large scale.
- If an ecosystem is irreversibly destroyed, species unable to travel or adapt will:
- Correct Answer: Die out in the area Explanation: If an ecosystem is irreversibly destroyed (such as through extreme pollution, habitat loss, or climate change), species that cannot adapt or migrate to a different environment will likely die out in that area. Species depend on their habitats for food, shelter, and reproduction, and if those resources are destroyed, they will not survive unless they can find a new suitable habitat or adapt to the changed conditions. For example, if a forest is destroyed, species that rely on the forest’s unique resources may not survive if they cannot move or adapt to a new environment.