Ecological Disruptions
What is an example of a natural disaster that can disrupt an ecosystem?
possible examples: hurricane, wildfire, or earthquake, volcano
What is primary succession and where does it typically occur?
Primary succession is the process of ecological change that occurs in an area where no soil exists, typically after a volcanic eruption or glacier retreat.
What is secondary succession and how does it differ from primary succession?
Secondary succession is the process of ecological change that occurs in areas where soil and some organisms still exist, usually after disturbances like fire or human activity.
What is biodiversity and why is it important for ecosystems?
Biodiversity is the number and variety of organisms found in a specific region, and it is important for ecosystem resilience and function.
What does it mean for an ecosystem to be sustainable?
For an ecosystem to be sustainable, it must maintain its health and functionality over time, supporting diverse species and ecological processes.
How does a sudden increase in a population (like invasive species) impact the energy flow in a food web?
A sudden increase in a population, such as an invasive species, can lead to competition for resources, disrupting energy flow and decreasing native species populations.
What type of organisms are the first to colonize an area during primary succession?
Pioneer species, such as lichens and mosses, are the first to colonize an area during primary succession.
What are some common causes of secondary succession?
Common causes of secondary succession include forest fires, floods, and human activities like agriculture.
How does biodiversity contribute to the resilience of an ecosystem?
Biodiversity contributes to resilience by providing a wider range of species that can adapt to changes and disturbances.
What is the difference between a population and a community?
A population is a group of individuals from the same species and a community is multiple populations (diff species) in the same area
Explain how human activities, such as deforestation, can disrupt energy transfer in an ecosystem.
Human activities like deforestation can reduce habitats, leading to energy loss in food webs and affecting species survival.
How does soil formation occur during primary succession?
Soil formation occurs as pioneer species break down rocks and contribute organic matter over time.
How does soil quality affect the process of secondary succession?
Soil quality affects the speed and type of recovery during secondary succession, as better soil can support a wider variety of plant species
Describe how a loss of biodiversity can affect an ecosystem's health.
A loss of biodiversity can lead to ecosystem instability, reduced services, and increased vulnerability to diseases and environmental changes.
What is a climax community?
a stable community that no longer goes through major ecological changes
How do changes to ecosystems impact the transfer of energy in food webs?
Changes to ecosystems can impact the availability of resources which leads to a decrease in populations and reduces the overall energy available in food webs.
Describe the role of pioneer species in primary succession
Pioneer species prepare the environment for later species by improving soil quality and creating conditions for new organisms to thrive.
Explain how secondary succession can restore a disrupted ecosystem.
Secondary succession can restore a disrupted ecosystem by allowing species to re-establish and regenerate the environment.
How do we measure and calculate biodiversity index?
Measure: transect sampling, quadrats, netting, canopy fogging, surveys
Calculate: number of species / total number of organisms
What is a regulating service? Give an example.
Services that help regulate the ecosystem such as pollination, water purification, protection from natural disasters
How can changes in one species' population affect other species in the food web?
Changes in one species' population can lead to cascading effects in the food web, impacting other species' survival and energy transfer.
Explain how primary succession leads to increased species diversity over time.
Primary succession leads to increased species diversity as more complex and varied species establish themselves over time.
Describe the timeline of species recovery during secondary succession after a disturbance.
The timeline of species recovery during secondary succession varies but often starts with fast-growing plants followed by shrubs and eventually trees over several decades.
Explain the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Biodiversity enhances ecosystem services, such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and water purification, which are vital for a healthy environment.
What is the role of producers in an ecosystem and what would occur if they disappeared?
Producers convert sunlight into consumable energy through the process of photosynthesis for primary consumers. If producers disappeared, all populations would disappear.