Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
In ecology, what term represents any force that disrupts community structure and changes resource availability or the physical environment?
A
Predation
B
Succession
C
Competition
D
Disturbance
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of 'disturbance' in ecology. A disturbance is any event or force that disrupts the structure of a community, alters resource availability, or changes the physical environment.
Step 2: Compare the term 'disturbance' with other ecological concepts provided in the options. For example, predation refers to interactions where one organism consumes another, succession describes the gradual process of change in community composition over time, and competition involves organisms vying for the same resources.
Step 3: Recognize that 'disturbance' is distinct because it refers to external forces or events (e.g., natural disasters, human activities) that directly impact the ecosystem's stability and resource distribution.
Step 4: Understand examples of disturbances, such as forest fires, hurricanes, floods, or human-induced activities like deforestation, which can significantly alter ecosystems.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct term for the force described in the problem is 'disturbance,' as it aligns with the definition provided and distinguishes itself from the other options.