AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Natural Disruptions to Ecosystems
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 16 cards to help you master important concepts.
A long period of global cooling begins. How will this long-term change affect sea level and coastal habitats?
This change will increase the amount of glacial ice, causing sea levels to drop and exposing new land, which results in large-scale changes to coastal habitats.
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A long period of global cooling begins. How will this long-term change affect sea level and coastal habitats?
This change will increase the amount of glacial ice, causing sea levels to drop and exposing new land, which results in large-scale changes to coastal habitats.
Has Earth's climate been stable throughout geological time?
No, Earth's climate has changed over geological time for many reasons.
How do the environmental consequences of natural disruptions compare to those caused by humans?
The environmental consequences of natural disruptions may be as great as, or even greater than, many human-made disruptions.
During a major ice age, what happens to the global sea level?
During an ice age, a large amount of Earth's water is stored in glacial ice, causing the global sea level to be significantly lower.
What is the relationship between the amount of glacial ice and sea level over geological time?
Sea level has varied significantly as a direct result of changes in the amount of glacial ice on Earth.
An earthquake causes a tsunami, drastically altering a coastal ecosystem. Is this process periodic, episodic, or random?
This would be considered an episodic or random process, as it is a major event that does not occur at regular, predictable intervals.
What is one reason wildlife might engage in short- or long-term migration?
Wildlife engages in migration for a variety of reasons, including as a response to natural disruptions in their ecosystem.
How do natural disruptions, in general, affect ecosystems?
Natural disruptions, whether they are short- or long-term, impact an ecosystem and can have significant environmental consequences.
Explain the connection between major environmental change and habitat.
Major environmental changes, such as those from natural disruptions, frequently lead to widespread alterations or loss of existing habitats.
Do Earth system processes occur on a single, uniform time scale?
No, Earth system processes operate on a wide range of scales in terms of time.
What is a common outcome of a major environmental change or upheaval?
A major environmental change or upheaval commonly results in large swathes of habitat changes.
A forest fire burns thousands of acres. How might the local deer population respond to this natural disruption?
The deer would likely engage in migration to escape the immediate danger and find a new habitat with adequate food and shelter.
Can wildlife migration be a direct consequence of habitat changes from natural disruptions?
Yes, when natural disruptions cause major habitat changes, wildlife may engage in migration to find more suitable living conditions.
What are the three classifications for the time scales on which Earth system processes operate?
Earth system processes can be classified as periodic, episodic, or random.
Term: Short-term Natural Disruption
A short-term natural disruption is an event that causes a temporary, though potentially severe, change to an ecosystem, such as a flood or storm.
Term: Long-term Natural Disruption
A long-term natural disruption is a process or event that causes lasting change to an ecosystem over an extended period, such as climate change or continental drift.