Catastrophic Events

1. Tornadoes can negatively affect an ecosystem when -

The saltwater they bring kills burrowing insects

Their strong winds uproot many of the important plants.

The rise in water level they produce introduces harmful salt.

They bring higher temperatures favored by birds

Tornadoes create very violent and strong winds that can pick up almost anything including people, houses, animals and plants.

Explanation

Tornadoes create very violent and strong winds that can pick up almost anything including people, houses, animals and plants.

2. In a freshwater marsh ecosystem that experiences a hurricane, which of the following would be the most likely effect?

A loss of plant life from saltwater brought in by storm surge

More burrowing animals living in the deeper soil layers

Death of most organisms due to fires from lightning strikes

Increase in diversity of organisms due to more competition

Hurricanes start over the ocean and push large waves of salty sea water called storm surge onto the land that can kill plants.

Explanation

Hurricanes start over the ocean and push large waves of salty sea water called storm surge onto the land that can kill plants.

3. Which of the following correctly matches a catastrophic event with its effect on an ecosystem?

Which of the following correctly matches a catastrophic event with its effect on an ecosystem?

A hurricane can kill plants with lava flows

A thunderstorm’s lightning can start forest fires

A tornado can move seawater onto land by creating storm surge

Hurricanes don't have lava (volcanoes do). Tornadoes don't create storm surge (hurricanes do).

Explanation

Hurricanes don't have lava (volcanoes do). Tornadoes don't create storm surge (hurricanes do).

4. Which of the following is an example of how flood waters can impact ecosystems?

Removing leaves from tall trees

Increasing the nutrients in the soil

Preventing photosynthesis in plants

Sweeping fish and other aquatic animals out of their habitats

Fast moving water from a flood can wash away anything in its path.

Explanation

Fast moving water from a flood can wash away anything in its path.

5. Hurricanes can harm plants in coastal ecosystems in places such as Galveston in all of the following ways EXCEPT –

High winds knocking down tall trees

Soil washing away due to high water caused by storm surge

Clouds blocking out the sun

Storm surge moving saltwater onto the land

Hurricanes have high winds and create storm surge. Hurricanes do not block out enough sunlight to cause damage to plants.

Explanation

Hurricanes have high winds and create storm surge. Hurricanes do not block out enough sunlight to cause damage to plants.

6. Which change would most likely be observed in the nonliving parts of an ecosystem after a flood?

Increase in oxygen in the atmosphere

Increase in water pollution

Less sunlight reaching ground level

Less soil erosion

Flood waters pick up and carry anything in its path including dangerous chemicals and polluting substances.

Explanation

Flood waters pick up and carry anything in its path including dangerous chemicals and polluting substances.

7. The Saffir-Simpson Scale shown here is used to rate the intensity of hurricanes. Trees with deeper roots will only be knocked down by winds of 120 miles per hour or higher. If a hurricane is able to knock down one of these types of trees, we can predict that the pressure associated with this hurricane would be –

No higher than 920 millibars.

In the range of 950 millibars or less

Between 979 and 965 millibars

At least 980 millibars, probably higher

If a hurricane is able to knock down trees with deeper roots, it indicates that the wind speed is at least 120 miles per hour or higher. According to the Saffir-Simpson Scale, hurricanes with wind speeds of 120 miles per hour or higher are classified as Category 3 or higher. Category 3 hurricanes typically have central pressures in the range of 950 millibars or less. Therefore, if a hurricane can knock down these trees, it suggests that the pressure associated with the hurricane would be in the range of 950 millibars or less.

Explanation

If a hurricane is able to knock down trees with deeper roots, it indicates that the wind speed is at least 120 miles per hour or higher. According to the Saffir-Simpson Scale, hurricanes with wind speeds of 120 miles per hour or higher are classified as Category 3 or higher. Category 3 hurricanes typically have central pressures in the range of 950 millibars or less. Therefore, if a hurricane can knock down these trees, it suggests that the pressure associated with the hurricane would be in the range of 950 millibars or less.