Catastrophic Events Post Assessment

A flood will have a greater effect on a habitat than a heavy rainfall event because a flood –

• is followed by strong winds that greatly affect a habitat.

• strikes more quickly, not allowing organisms to migrate.

• brings salt and other substances that harm plants.

• happens more often and lasts much longer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

A diagram of the areas surrounding the Gulf of Mexico is provided.

A hurricane that comes in from the Gulf of Mexico will most likely have which of the following effects on a Texas habitat?

• Plants on Goose Island are killed by a surge of salt water.

• Trees in and around Austin are uprooted by heavy winds.

• Birds that eat fish on Galveston Island become extinct.

• Rains create new marshland habitats in Brazos Bend.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Tornadoes are catastrophic events that create change in ecosystems in which of the following ways?

• Heavy flooding increases areas where trees can grow.

• High winds damage areas of important plant life.

• Wildfires started by lightning reduce carbon dioxide.

• Saltwater kills many ground-dwelling animals.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What change would most likely be observed in the nonliving parts of an ecosystem after a hurricane?

• Taller sand dunes on the beach.

• Increase in oxygen in the atmosphere.

• Less sunlight reaching ground level.

• Higher levels of soil nutrients.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

The extremely strong winds associated with a tornado will have the greatest negative effect on which of the following kinds of organisms?

• Fish that feed around coral reefs.

• Smaller mammals that burrow underground.

• Birds and other animals that use trees for shelter.

• Organisms that feed on decaying plants and animals.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which of the following maps, each of an area of approximately 300 square kilometers, best shows the damage caused by a tornado?

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Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2