8c - Succession patterns in ecosystems

What is succession in an ecosystem?

• The process by which the structure of a biological community evolves over time.

• The immediate replacement of one species by another.

• The random distribution of species in an area.

• The permanent establishment of a single species in an ecosystem.

Answer explanation

Succession in an ecosystem refers to the gradual process where the structure of a biological community changes over time, leading to the development of diverse species and interactions, making the first choice the correct one.

In primary succession, what is colonized by living things for the first time?

• Soil

• Newly exposed rock, sand, or ice

• Water

• Trees

Answer explanation

In primary succession, living organisms first colonize newly exposed rock, sand, or ice, as these areas lack soil and vegetation. This process marks the beginning of ecosystem development.

In secondary succession, what is left after an area previously occupied by living things is disturbed or disrupted?

• Water

• Soil

• Trees

• Rocks

Answer explanation

In secondary succession, the area retains its soil, which is crucial for new plant growth. Unlike primary succession, where soil is formed from bare rock, secondary succession occurs in areas where soil already exists.

What is the goal of succession in an ecosystem?

• To reach a stable climax community

• To increase biodiversity indefinitely

• To eliminate all invasive species

• To maintain constant environmental conditions

Answer explanation

The goal of succession in an ecosystem is to reach a stable climax community, where the ecosystem becomes self-sustaining and balanced, supporting a diverse range of species.

Which type of succession is shown in the picture?

• Primary

• Secondary

Answer explanation

The image depicts primary succession, which occurs in lifeless areas where soil has not yet formed, such as after a volcanic eruption or glacier retreat. This contrasts with secondary succession, which happens in areas where soil exists.

Put the stages of PRIMARY SUCCESSION in order.

• 1. Bare rock, 2. Lichens & mosses break down rock into soil, 3. Grasses and herbs, 4. Shrubs and bushes, 5. Young trees and pines, 6. Mature oak forest (climax community).

• 1. Bare rock, 2. Grasses and herbs, 3. Lichens & mosses break down rock into soil, 4. Shrubs and bushes, 5. Young trees and pines, 6. Mature oak forest (climax community).

• 1. Bare rock, 2. Shrubs and bushes, 3. Lichens & mosses break down rock into soil, 4. Grasses and herbs, 5. Young trees and pines, 6. Mature oak forest (climax community).

• 1. Bare rock, 2. Young trees and pines, 3. Lichens & mosses break down rock into soil, 4. Grasses and herbs, 5. Shrubs and bushes, 6. Mature oak forest (climax community).

Answer explanation

The correct order of primary succession starts with bare rock, followed by lichens and mosses that break down the rock into soil, then grasses and herbs, followed by shrubs and bushes, young trees and pines, and finally a mature oak forest.

Put the stages of SECONDARY SUCCESSION in order. Match the following stages with their descriptions:

• 4

• Existing soil becomes colonized by annual plants

• 1

• Forest fire or other disturbance destroys community

• 3

• Young trees and pines

• 5

• Shrubs and bushes

• 2

• Grasses and perennial plants

Which of the following sequence MOST likely represents ecological succession on a recently abandoned wheat field?

• grasses → flowering plants → shrubs → native trees

• native trees → shrubs → flowering plants → grasses

• shrubs → grasses → native trees → flowering plants

• flowering plants → native trees → shrubs → grasses

Answer explanation

The correct sequence, grasses → flowering plants → shrubs → native trees, reflects the typical stages of ecological succession, starting with pioneer species like grasses and progressing to more complex plant communities.

Select what kind of succession the following example represents:

Glaciers start to melt revealing newly exposed rock.

Tags

112.34.c.11.B

What is the first species you will see in the early stages of primary succession? (in picture)

• lichens

• grasses

• small plants

Answer explanation

In the early stages of primary succession, lichens are the first species to colonize bare rock. They can survive harsh conditions and help break down the substrate, paving the way for other plants like grasses and small plants to grow later.