Friday

Friday 29th March 2025

LC- To know how natural disasters affect living things.

Firstly, let's look at some natural disasters and understand what they are.

Now, we will look at some of these and how they affect living things.

Animals living in the wild are particularly vulnerable during natural disasters. Earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and forest fires can have devastating consequences. Let’s explore how these events impact animals.

Earthquakes and Tsunamis:

Earthquakes strike without warning and can shake both land and seabed. Animals may be displaced, swept away by high winds or rushing floodwaters, or trapped with no escape.
Small animals can drown more easily, have their burrows flooded by heavy rains, or be crushed or burned.
Displaced animals crowded together risk major outbreaks of disease and parasite infestations.
Malnutrition and starvation due to limited food supplies become significant risks.
Exposure to sun, cold, or wind without adequate shelter can also harm animals.
Tsunamis can directly kill marine animals or affect water temperature and the amount of salt in the water, impacting their health

Hurricanes:

Animals can be battered by strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding.
Coastal habitats are particularly vulnerable, with marine animals facing the brunt of storm surges and high waves.
Disruption of ecosystems and loss of food sources occur during and after hurricanes ¹.

Volcanic Eruptions and Fires:

Animals may die from being drowned or buried alive by dirt, ash, lava, or snow.
Burrows collapse or burn, crushing animals inside.
Debris and temperature changes in water affect marine animals.
Poisoning from contaminated food and water is a risk.
Exposure to extreme heat or cold can harm animals ¹.
Landslides and Avalanches:

Animals can be buried alive or crushed by falling debris.
Displacement disrupts their habitats and food sources ².

Unusual Natural Events:

Even mild events by human standards can be catastrophic for animals.
Survival depends on species adaptations, life stage, breeding season, migratory behavior, and habitat.
Animals with sharp senses or means of escape have better chances.

We would like you to make a poster to explain what you have learned. Set it out n a similar way to the image below. Don't copy it because the example is not about living things.

Name of disaster

Picture of disaster.

The effect on living things.

Example: