Question

8) Severe weather events can create ecological disturbances, which can impact biodiversity. In 3–5 sentences, explain how the severe weather event created ecological disturbances that impacted biodiversity.

Answer 1

Severe weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, or wildfires, can disrupt ecosystems by altering habitats, displacing species, and destroying food sources. For instance, a hurricane may uproot trees and erode coastal areas, leading to the loss of habitat for numerous organisms and a decline in plant diversity. Additionally, these disturbances can create favorable conditions for invasive species, which may outcompete native species, further reducing biodiversity. The cumulative effects of these changes can lead to a shift in community dynamics and long-term alterations in ecosystem structure and function.