Science Common Sense

356 - How do natural disasters affect ecosystems?

Natural disasters can affect ecosystems in many ways.

1. Changing habitats: Disasters like hurricanes and floods can destroy homes of plants and animals, forcing them to move to new areas.
2. Killing plants and animals: Events like wildfires and droughts can kill many living things, making it hard for some species to survive.
3. Disrupting food chains: When some species die or move away, it can affect what other animals eat, causing problems for the entire ecosystem.
4. Changing water and soil: Disasters like landslides and tsunamis can also change the way water flows and affect the soil quality, which can be bad for plants and animals.

But sometimes, natural disasters can also help create new habitats or give ecosystems a fresh start.