Disturbance and Succession in Ecology

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Ecological Disturbance

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Event causing large, rapid change in ecosystem

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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Examples of Disturbances

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Wildfires, insect outbreaks, landslides, avalanches, volcanic eruptions, floods

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

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Primary Succession

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Colonization of new habitat devoid of life

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Example of Primary Succession

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Formation of community on new igneous rocks after volcanic eruption

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Secondary Succession

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Occurs after disturbance in existing ecosystem

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Example of Secondary Succession

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Wildfire or flood

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

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Disturbance Impact

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Changes to plants, animals, fungi, soil, water

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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Pioneer Species

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First to grow post-disturbance; hardy lichen, fungi, plants

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Role of Pioneer Species

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Create nutrient-rich topsoil

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Intermediate Species

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Grasses, shrubs, shade-intolerant trees

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-5