Ecological Succession

1. Which of these types of environments experiences the LEAST change in the total number and type of species over time?

• an ecosystem with only pioneer species

• an ecosystem that is in primary succession

• an ecosystem that is in secondary succession

• an ecosystem with a climax community

1. Which plant characteristics are common to pioneer species?

• plants with roots that act as wedges to slowly break apart rocks

• plants with long, thick roots that tap into deep water supplies

• trees with exposed surface roots that trap soil and vegetation

• plants with a broad mat of surface roots that quickly soaks up water

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

A hurricane hits a coastal prairie and destroys the habitat. Years later there is an appearance of small plants with rapidly spreading roots on newly formed coastal sand dunes. This vegetation describes

• a microhabitat

• primary succession

• secondary succession

• biodiversity

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What is the relationship between ecological succession and equilibrium in an ecosystem?

• Ecological succession helps maintain equilibrium in an ecosystem.

• Ecological succession prevents ecosystems from ever reaching equilibrium.

• There is no relationship between ecological succession and equilibrium.

• Ecological succession and equilibrium are the same thing.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

The diagrams on the right show an ecosystem during different stages of ecological succession. In which order will these stages occur, from earliest to latest?

• 4, 2, 1, 3

• 1, 2, 3, 4

• 3, 1, 4, 2

• 2, 4, 3, 1

Which statement best describes the differences in species diversity between an ecosystem beginning the process of primary succession and one beginning the process of secondary succession?

• Species diversity is much greater in the ecosystem undergoing primary succession because that ecosystem is experiencing a longer period with a lack of competition for space.

• No differences in species diversity exist because both ecosystems initially lack living organisms.

• Species diversity is much greater in the ecosystem undergoing primary succession because the lack of soil provides a greater area for organisms to claim niches.

• Species diversity is greater in the ecosystem undergoing secondary succession because the soil already contains seeds and spores of various species.

The graph below shows the changes in the number of species in an ecosystem. Which event was most likely the cause of the changes in species diversity in this ecosystem?

• A large volcanic eruption

• A flash flood

• A small tornado

• A migration of locusts

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

A small town in the piney woods of East Texas has a soccer field composed of native grasses. The soccer field is mowed once a week. What effect does continual mowing have on the ecology of the field?

• Mowing increases the likelihood of nonnative species displacing native species.

• Mowing increases the number of species found in the field.

• Mowing causes different types of communities to form across the field.

• Mowing maintains a low species diversity by inhibiting further succession.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is located in Central Texas. Enchanted Rock is a dome of granite. The area contains four easily identifiable communities. The table describes characteristics of each type of community in the area.

A student studying primary succession should focus on which of these communities?

• Open oak woodland

• Mesquite grassland

• Floodplain

• Granite rock

What type of succession is shown going from figure A to figure B?

• primary succession
• ecological succession
• secondary succession
• intermediate