Question

Which is an extreme disturbance to any ecosystem?(1 point)
Responses

coral bleaching
coral bleaching

hurricanes
hurricanes

elk overgrazing
elk overgrazing

extreme temperature change

Answers

GPT-4o mini
All the options listed can cause significant disturbances to ecosystems, but if we are to identify one that is typically considered an extreme disturbance, **hurricanes** would be the most fitting choice. Hurricanes can cause widespread destruction, altering landscapes and disrupting the balance of ecosystems significantly.
When an ecosystem is disturbed by fire or toxic chemicals, it affects(1 point)
Responses

living things in that ecosystem.
living things in that ecosystem.

one type of habitat in the ecosystem.
one type of habitat in the ecosystem.

one type of food source in the ecosystem.
one type of food source in the ecosystem.

only a particular species in that ecosystem.
GPT-4o mini
The correct response is **living things in that ecosystem.**

Disturbances such as fire or toxic chemicals can impact all the living organisms within the ecosystem, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as their interactions and the overall health of the ecosystem.
In a certain forest ecosystem, there are lions who prey on deer. The deer eat grass. Which of the following would be the consequences of the deer population increasing? (1 point)
Responses

The lion population would decrease.
The lion population would decrease.

The plant population would increase.
The plant population would increase.

The plant population would decrease.
The plant population would decrease.

The lion population would stay the same.
GPT-4o mini
The correct response is **The plant population would decrease.**

If the deer population increases, they will consume more grass and other plants, leading to a decrease in the plant population. This could ultimately impact the entire ecosystem, including the lions, as their prey (deer) may eventually be affected by the reduced plant availability.
An example of a severe disruption to an ecosystem is(1 point)
Responses

repurposing a building in a downtown area.
repurposing a building in a downtown area.

a thunderstorm that knocks down some trees.
a thunderstorm that knocks down some trees.

the loss of a river system due to contamination.
the loss of a river system due to contamination.

seasonal flooding of a river.
GPT-4o mini
The correct response is **the loss of a river system due to contamination.**

This represents a severe disruption to an ecosystem because it can have long-lasting effects on water quality, aquatic life, and the overall health of the ecosystem, impacting not only the organisms that live in the river but also those that rely on it for survival.
If an ecosystem is irreversibly destroyed, species unable to travel or adapt will(1 point)
Responses

grow in population.
grow in population.

find a new food source.
find a new food source.

find additional mates.
find additional mates.

die out in the area.
GPT-4o mini
The correct response is **die out in the area.**

If an ecosystem is irreversibly destroyed and species are unable to travel or adapt to the new conditions, they will not be able to survive, leading to their extinction in that area.