Succession & Biodiversity

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What is succession in ecology?

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Succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, involving a series of species replacements.

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What are the two main types of succession?

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Primary succession and secondary succession.

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What is primary succession?

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Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas where soil has not yet formed, such as after a volcanic eruption.

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What is secondary succession?

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Secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed an existing ecosystem but soil and some organisms still remain.

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What role do keystone species play in an ecosystem?

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Keystone species are crucial for maintaining the structure of an ecological community, influencing the types and numbers of various species.

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What is biodiversity?

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Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the variety of species, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

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How do lichens contribute to primary succession?

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Lichens help to break down rock into soil, which is essential for the establishment of other plant species.

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What is the order of plant growth after a volcanic eruption?

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The order is Lichens → Grasses → Shrubs → Trees.

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What is a pioneer species?

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Pioneer species are the first organisms to colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems, initiating the process of succession.

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How does a natural disaster affect biodiversity?

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Natural disasters can lead to habitat destruction, which may reduce biodiversity by eliminating species and disrupting ecosystems.