How do hurricanes affect the ecosystem?


Quick Answer

Hurricanes affect an ecosystem due to their damaging winds and excessive amounts of rainfall; the winds are able to take down entire tracts of forests while the winds and rain combined can change the layout of an area. Animals that lived in the trees or had their home taken away by land changes often experience a decrease in their populations.

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Full Answer

Plants and animals can die during a hurricane due to the damaging winds, storm surge or flooding. The animals that depend on these creatures for food are unable to find enough to eat and may starve if another food source is not available.

Beaches often erode during a hurricane. Animals that nest on the beach have their nests and young washed away. The water surrounding the former beach experiences a change in quality that can kill native species.

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