Title: Describe the effects of natural events and anthropogenic influences on ecosystems.
Course: Ecology and Environmental Management (18003-36) > Section: Developing Basic Environmental Science Concepts

Description may include, but is not limited to,

- natural disasters

  - geophysical (e.g., earthquake, volcanic eruption, avalanche, subsidence)
  - hydro-meteorological (e.g., flood, drought, wildfire, weather, climate)
  - biological (e.g., epidemic, insect infestation, invasive species, animal stampede)

- anthropogenic disasters

  - technological (e.g., engineering failure, transport disasters, environmental disasters)
  - sociological (e.g., criminal acts, riots, war)
  - effects of agricultural practices
  - point- and nonpoint-source pollution.

Process/Skill Questions:

- How can a natural disaster be simultaneously a positive and a negative event?
- What are examples of significant catastrophes caused by humans?
- What are some adaptations of forests that help deal with natural disasters (e.g., forest fires)?
- How could one formulate a plan to improve the water quality of a lake being contaminated by an identified source?
- What invasive species have been introduced in Virginia? How have they affected ecosystems into which they were introduced?