APES Unit #2 Review

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What is primary succession?

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Primary succession is the process of ecological change that occurs in an environment that has not previously supported life, starting from bare rock or sand.

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What are pioneer species?

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Pioneer species are the first organisms to colonize previously uninhabited land, such as moss and lichen, and they help to create soil for other species.

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What is secondary succession?

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Secondary succession is the process of ecological change that occurs in an area where a disturbance has destroyed an existing community but left the soil intact.

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What is genetic diversity?

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Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a species, which contributes to the adaptability and survival of that species.

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What is an example of a regulating ecosystem service?

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Water purification is an example of a regulating ecosystem service, as it helps maintain clean water supplies.

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What is biodiversity?

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Biodiversity is the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of different species and their relative abundance.

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What is a climax community?

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A climax community is a stable and mature ecological community that has reached a final stage of succession, characterized by a complex structure and diverse species.

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How does soil formation occur in primary succession?

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Soil formation in primary succession occurs as pioneer species break down rock and organic matter accumulates, creating a substrate for other plants.

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What factors influence species evenness in a community?

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Species evenness is influenced by the relative abundance of different species in a community; higher evenness means that species are more equally represented.

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What role do keystone species play in an ecosystem?

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Keystone species are species that have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance, helping to maintain the structure of the ecosystem.