Catastrophic Events

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Quizzes Created: 16 | Total Attempts: 25,240
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  • 1/7 Questions

    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
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About This Quiz

Explore the impact of catastrophic events like tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods on ecosystems. This quiz assesses understanding of how these events affect plant and aquatic life, increase in water pollution, and other ecosystem changes. Essential for learners interested in environmental science.

Catastrophic Events - Quiz

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  • 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

    Correct Answer
    A. A loss of plant life from saltwater brought in by storm surge
    Explanation
    Hurricanes start over the ocean and push large waves of salty sea water called storm surge onto the land that can kill plants.

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  • 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

    Correct Answer
    A. A thunderstorm’s lightning can start forest fires
    Explanation
    Hurricanes don't have lava (volcanoes do). Tornadoes don't create storm surge (hurricanes do).

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  • 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

    Correct Answer
    A. Sweeping fish and other aquatic animals out of their habitats
    Explanation
    Fast moving water from a flood can wash away anything in its path.

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  • 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

    Correct Answer
    A. Clouds blocking out the sun
    Explanation
    Hurricanes have high winds and create storm surge. Hurricanes do not block out enough sunlight to cause damage to plants.

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  • 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

    Correct Answer
    A. Increase in water pollution
    Explanation
    Flood waters pick up and carry anything in its path including dangerous chemicals and polluting substances.

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  • 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 – - ProProfs

    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

    Correct Answer
    A. 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.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 21, 2023 +

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • May 09, 2019
    Quiz Created by
    Etate
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