Hurricanes and Their Ecological Impact

The video discusses hurricanes, focusing on their formation, characteristics, and impact on ecosystems. It highlights the differences between hurricanes and tornadoes, emphasizing the extensive damage hurricanes can cause due to their size and sustained winds. The video also explains the concept of storm surge, its dangers, and its ecological impact, particularly on coastal areas. A case study of Hurricane Michael illustrates the destruction of sand dunes and the resulting loss of biodiversity. The video concludes with a discussion on the importance of sand dunes in protecting coastal regions.

What is a defining feature of hurricanes that distinguishes them from other storms?

• They form over cold water.

• They have a central eye.

• They move rapidly across land.

• They only occur in the southern hemisphere.

How do hurricanes typically affect animal habitats?

• They have no impact on animal habitats.

• They lead to habitat loss due to wind damage.

• They provide new habitats for animals.

• They cause immediate animal extinction.

What is one of the main differences between hurricanes and tornadoes?

• Hurricanes have sustained winds over a large area.

• Hurricanes are smaller in size.

• Tornadoes form over water.

• Tornadoes have a central eye.

What can excess rain from hurricanes lead to?

• Drought conditions.

• Increased plant growth.

• Flooding.

• Desertification.

How do hurricanes contribute to beach erosion?

• By depositing sand on the beach.

• By removing vegetation from sand dunes.

• By creating new sand dunes.

• By reducing wave activity.

What makes storm surges particularly dangerous?

• They are composed of freshwater.

• They occur only during the day.

• They involve saltwater, which harms land plants.

• They are predictable and easy to manage.

Why is the storm surge considered ecologically dangerous?

• It increases biodiversity.

• It destroys structures and vegetation.

• It provides nutrients to the soil.

• It has no ecological impact.

What was a significant impact of Hurricane Michael on Florida's coastline?

• Increase in coastal biodiversity.

• No impact on the coastline.

• Complete removal of sand dunes and vegetation.

• Creation of new sand dunes.

How do sand dunes help protect coastal areas?

• By reducing the amount of sand on the beach.

• By attracting more tourists.

• By acting as a barrier against tides and minor storms.

• By increasing the amount of flooding.

What happens to micro habitats in sand dunes after a hurricane?

• They are completely unaffected.

• They are destroyed, reducing biodiversity.

• They expand and increase biodiversity.

• They become more stable.