Ecological Succession Quiz

What is ecological succession?

• A process where only plants change their habitats

• A process where species remain unchanged over time

• A process where an ecological community undergoes changes after a disturbance

• A process where only animals change their habitats

Which of the following is an example of primary succession?

• A forest regrowing after a fire

• A new island forming from lava flows

• A field becoming a forest after being abandoned

• A pond drying up and becoming a meadow

What is the first species to colonize new land called?

• Final species

• Intermediate species

• Pioneer species

• Climax species

Which of the following is NOT a pioneer species?

• Moss

• Lichen

• Oak trees

• Grasses

What typically remains after a forest fire in secondary succession?

• Nothing

• Only animals

• Soil

• Water

Which type of succession occurs after a disturbance that does not destroy the soil?

• Quaternary succession

• Secondary succession

• Tertiary succession

• Primary succession

What is the first type of plant to grow back after a fire in secondary succession?

• Shrubs

• Vines

• Large trees

• Grasses and other small plants

What type of trees develop first in secondary succession?

• Palm trees

• Fruit trees

• Evergreen trees

• Deciduous trees

How can disturbances like fires be beneficial to an ecosystem?

• They help manage weeds and reduce wildfire risk

• They reduce biodiversity

• They prevent any new growth

• They destroy all plant life permanently

What is one of the benefits of controlled burns?

• They increase the risk of wildfires

• They destroy all nutrients in the soil

• They help manage weeds and promote desirable plant growth

• They prevent any plant growth