Ecosystems can change over geological time scales through various processes such as evolution, climate change, geological events (like volcanic eruptions or earthquakes), and the movement of continents. These changes can result in shifts in species composition, biodiversity, habitat distribution, and ecosystem functions. For example, over millions of years, continents drift, creating new habitats and changing climate patterns, which in turn influence the evolution and distribution of species. Additionally, major extinction events, such as the one that wiped out the dinosaurs, can dramatically alter ecosystems and allow for the rise of new species.
