Changing Ecosystems

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What is ecological succession?

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A series of predictable changes that occur in a community over time.

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What is primary succession?

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The series of changes that occur when there is no soil or organisms that exist in an area, often following events like volcanic eruptions.

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What is secondary succession?

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The series of changes that occur in an area where soil and organisms still exist after a disturbance, such as a flood or tornado.

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What is an example of primary succession?

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A volcanic eruption creating a new landform with no soil.

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What is an example of secondary succession?

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A forest recovering after a tornado.

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What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?

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Primary succession starts with no soil, while secondary succession starts with existing soil.

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What is a disturbance in an ecosystem?

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An event that changes the structure of a community, such as a flood, fire, or tornado.

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What is biodiversity?

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The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

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What role do pioneer species play in succession?

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Pioneer species are the first organisms to colonize a barren environment, initiating the process of succession.

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What is a climax community?

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A stable and mature community that undergoes little change in species composition.