Natural Events
What does interdependence mean?
Interdependence means that different things depend on each other. In this case, every organism depends on other organisms to survive.
How are plants and animals interdependent?
Food chains/webs → plants and animals depend on each other for food, water, and resources
Plants are eaten by carnivores and omnivores for energy
When these organisms die, they decompose and form a part of the soil, which promotes plant growth
Mutualism: association between organisms of two different species in which each benefits
Example: bees pollinating flowers
Pollination helps certain kinds of plants reproduce (bees carry pollen from plant to plant)
Bees obtain nectar of flowers as a food source
Carbon dioxide and oxygen: plants provide oxygen for animals to breathe and animals provide carbon dioxide for plants
Plants and animals have both evolved to help each other survive
Think about different ecosystems: what would happen if one species was killed off?
What are some natural events that can negatively affect the survival organisms, or living things?
Fire
Flood
Disease
Erosion
Tornadoes + Earthquakes
Hurricanes + Drought
Sometimes, natural disasters, like forest fires, floods, and disease impact the survival of organisms.
Habitats and land are destroyed, so organisms don’t have places to live and don’t have protection.
Often, food sources are disrupted so they might starve to death.
Natural disasters can disrupt the balance of the ecosystems and relationships between organisms.
FLOODS: A temporary rise of the water level, as in a river or lake, resulting in its spilling over and out of its natural or artificial confines onto land that is normally dry. Floods are usually caused by excessive runoff.
Impact:
- disease
- loss of habitat
- houses, buildings, and other structures destroyed
FIRES
Impact:
- habitat modification
- loss of resources
- reduction of undergrowth and ground debris
- many organisms have adapted to fires
- part of natural cycle
DISEASES can completely eradicate a species or disrupt relationships of species. When ecosystems are not healthy, wildlife and ecosystems are more VULNERABLE to diseases.
Impact:
- loss of biodiversity
- habitat loss
- kill animals and plants
- affect human health
- limit the growth and reproduction of animals
- climate change
EROSION is when agents, like wind and water, gradually destroy and chip away at certain surfaces. For example, soil erosion is the geological process where earthen materials are worn at and transported by natural forces.
Impacts:
- harm plant health
- loss of habitat
- loss of nutrients/organic matter necessary for growth and development
What is conservation?
Conservation is the careful use and preservation of our natural resources. One example is resource renewal, which is when species are protected (example: planting endangered plants).
Try the quiz for extra practice!
After you've tried the quiz, check your answers!
Quiz Answers:
A, C
A, C, D
D
B
A, B, C, D
A, C
C