Change in Ecosystems Flashcards
ecological succession
the process of change in an ecosystem during which species in a community are established or replaced
endangered
a status that occurs when an entire species of organism is in danger of dying out
extinct
a status that occurs when an entire species of organism has completely died out
List four natural ecosystem changes.
ecological succession
fire
storms
drought
List five man-made natural ecosystem changes.
catching a ride pollution overgrazing using natural resources building
What is ecological succession?
Ecological succession is the process of change in an ecosystem during which species in a community are established or replaced.
Why would it be bad if an animal were taken to a new place where it had no predators?
If the animal has no predators in this new place, overpopulation may occur. The animal might eat all the plants or other animals, leaving no food for other animals.
____________ describes an organism whose population is in danger of dying out.
Endangered
______________ describes an organism that used to live on Earth but whose population completely died out.
Extinct
building
Plants and animals lose their habitats when people use land for towns and cities.
catching a ride
People take plants and animals to new places on purpose or by accident. The animals might then reach very high population levels if they have no predators in this new ecosystem.
drought
When an area gets less rainfall than usual for a long period of time, plants might die and animals might move to another location to look for water.
fire
Some types of trees have seeds that will only germinate when this change happens.
overgrazing
Cattle and other livestock eat all the grass and plants before new ones can grow again. This can cause deserts to form and erosion to increase.
pollution
People put harmful things in the air, water, and soil, which can cause plants and animals to get sick or even die.
