Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Ecosystem disturbances are events or changes in the environment that significantly alter the structure and function of an ecosystem. These can be natural, like wildfires, floods, or hurricanes, or human-induced, such as deforestation and pollution.
Related terms
Succession: This refers to the process by which a biological community evolves over time following a disturbance. It's like how after a big disruption in our lives, we find ways to adapt and create a new normal.
Resilience: This is the ability of an ecosystem to return to its original state after being disturbed. Just like how resilient people bounce back after facing adversity, resilient ecosystems recover from disturbances.
This term refers to the variety of life within an ecosystem. Biodiversity can be compared to having many different types of instruments in our orchestra analogy - it makes for richer music and also helps keep things running smoothly even if one type of instrument has trouble.