Ecological Succession Quiz

What is ecological succession?

• The process of community development in an urban area

• The process of ecological change in an ecosystem where one community is replaced by another community over time

• The study of interactions between different species within a habitat

• The conservation efforts to protect endangered species

Which of the following best describes primary succession?

• The introduction of non-native species to an ecosystem

• The recovery of an old ecosystem

• The formation of a brand new ecosystem

• The process of pollution control in a damaged ecosystem

What does secondary succession refer to?

• The initial colonization of new species in a barren environment

• The process of species adaptation to climate change

• The recovery of an old ecosystem

• The migration of a community to a different ecosystem

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What is primary succession?

• The process by which a community forms in an area that has been previously occupied.

• The process by which a community forms in an area that has not been previously occupied.

• The recovery of an ecosystem after a natural disaster has occurred.

• The introduction of non-native species to an area.

Which of the following is an example of an area where primary succession might occur?

• A dense forest

• A recently burned woodland

• Exposed rock after a glacier retreats

• An abandoned agricultural field

What is the term used to describe the first organisms to grow in a new environment during primary succession?

• Climax species

• Secondary species

• Pioneer species

• Invasive species

Which of the following are examples of pioneer species in primary succession?

• Reptiles and amphibians

• Lichens and mosses

• Trees and shrubs

• Mammals and birds

What is the role of pioneer species in primary succession?

• They prevent other organisms from growing.

• They provide food for larger animals.

• They decompose and release nutrients to form a layer of soil for more complex plants.

• They compete with other plants for sunlight.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

Primary succession occurs over what kind of time period?

• A short period of time.

• A moderate period of time.

• A long period of time.

• An instantaneous period of time.

What can begin to grow once enough soil has been generated to retain nutrients during primary succession?

• Large trees and bushes

• Mosses and lichens

• Small plants, flowers, ferns, and shrubs

• Animals and insects

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3