Living Environment Regents Practice Test

Which natural event is likely to cause disruption in a stable grassy ecosystem?

1. Flood

2. Forest fire

3. Volcanic eruption

4. Earthquake

The correct answer is: Volcanic eruption

A volcanic eruption is a natural event that can lead to significant disruption in a stable grassy ecosystem. When a volcano erupts, it releases molten rock, ash, and gases into the surrounding environment. This can create a blanket of ash that smothers plants, disrupts soil composition, and alters the landscape, making it challenging for the existing flora and fauna to survive. The immediate area might become inhospitable for a long time following the eruption, potentially leading to a complete shift in the ecosystem. While floods, forest fires, and earthquakes can also impact an ecosystem, volcanic eruptions often result in more drastic changes over a larger area, affecting not just the vegetation but also the soil quality and the profiles of plant communities. As a result, recovering from such an event can take many years or even decades, leading to new ecological dynamics and relationships among organisms.