D4.2 HL Succession Flashcard

Front

What is a climax community?

Back

A community of organisms that is more or less stable and in equilibrium.

Front

What explains why new communities can replace older communities in ecological succession?

Back

The abiotic characteristics of the habitat changed.

Front

What happens to gross primary productivity in pioneer communities?

Back

It is low due to initial conditions and low density of producers.

Front

What effect does human activity have on climax communities?

Back

Leads to arrested succession.

Front

What is secondary succession?

Back

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

Front

What is primary succession?

Back

The process of ecological change that occurs in an area where no soil exists, such as after a volcanic eruption.

Front

Define ecological succession.

Back

The gradual process of change and replacement in the species composition of a community.

Front

What are pioneer species?

Back

Species that are the first to colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems.

Front

What role do abiotic factors play in succession?

Back

Abiotic factors, such as soil composition and climate, influence which species can thrive in a community.

Front

How does biodiversity change during succession?

Back

Biodiversity typically increases as succession progresses, reaching a peak in climax communities.