zuai-logo

Natural Disruptions to Ecosystems

Kate Anderson

Kate Anderson

6 min read

Listen to this study note

Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers change, resistance, and resilience in ecosystems. It explains different types of changes (random, seasonal, episodic) with examples like sea level rise and migration. It defines and differentiates resistance and resilience, and explores the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis, including its relationship with biodiversity and succession species. Finally, it provides exam tips, common question types, and practice questions covering these key concepts.

AP Environmental Science: Change, Resistance, and Resilience - Your Last-Minute Guide

Hey there, future AP Environmental Science rockstar! Let's get you feeling confident and ready to ace this exam. We're going to break down the key concepts of change, resistance, and resilience in ecosystems, making sure you understand not just what they are, but why they matter. Let's dive in!

Change is Constant: The Dynamic Earth

Our planet is always changing, and that's a fundamental concept in environmental science. These changes can be natural, or caused by humans (anthropogenic).

Key Concept

Understanding the causes and effects of these changes is crucial for the exam. Remember, everything is interconnected!

Types of Changes

  • Random: Unpredictable events like a single lightning strike. ⚡
  • Seasonal: Changes that occur regularly, like hurricane season.
  • Episodic: Events that happen in stages, such as volcanic eruptions.

Examples of Changes

  • Sea Level Rise: Glaciers melting due to climate change (anthropogenic) leads to increased flooding in coastal areas. 🌊
  • Migration: Geese migrating south to escape harsh winter conditions. 🦢
Memory Aid

Think of the Earth as a living, breathing thing. It's constantly adapting and changing, just like any living organism.

Resistance and Resilience: How Ecosystems Cope

When an ecosystem is disturbed, it reacts in different ways. Two key concepts help us understand these reactions:

Resistance

  • Definition: How much an ecosystem changes after a disturbance. A h...