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
Environmental fluctuation refers to changes in environmental conditions over time. These fluctuations can be predictable (like seasonal changes) or unpredictable (like natural disasters).
Long-term shifts in temperature and typical weather patterns on Earth. It’s like when your usual weather pattern starts changing unexpectedly over years.
Habitat Disruption: Changes in an organism's natural environment that affect its survival chances. Imagine suddenly having snowstorms every day when you're used to sunny weather!
The process by which organisms adjust their behavior, physiology, and structure to become better suited for their environment – much like buying warmer clothes for colder seasons.