Question

How do earthquakes impact ecosystems and biodiversity?

Answer 1

Earthquakes can have significant impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity. Some of the effects include:

1. Habitat destruction: Earthquakes can lead to the destruction of habitats such as forests, wetlands, and coral reefs, which can result in the loss of biodiversity.
2. Disruption of food webs: Earthquakes can disrupt food chains and webs by destroying plants and other food sources for animals, leading to a decline in populations.
3. Changes in soil structure: The shaking caused by earthquakes can alter soil structure, affecting nutrient availability and water retention, which can impact plant growth and survival.
4. Displacement of species: Earthquakes can force species to move to new areas in search of suitable habitats, which can result in competition with existing species and changes in community dynamics.
5. Increased risk of invasive species: After an earthquake, disturbed ecosystems are vulnerable to invasion by non-native species, which can outcompete native species and further disrupt biodiversity. Overall, earthquakes can have both direct and indirect impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity, leading to changes in species composition, ecosystem functions, and overall ecosystem health.

Answer 2

causes biomass decrease, diversity decline, and soil erosion