Ecological Succession Worksheet

Which of the following best describes ecological succession?

• The process of one community being replaced by another in an ecosystem over time.

• The process of animals migrating from one place to another.

• The process of plants growing faster in the summer.

• The process of water cycling through an ecosystem.

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

• Exposed rock

• A forest after a fire

• A pond drying up

• An abandoned farm

Why does primary succession occur in areas like lava flows or melted ice?

• Because these areas have never supported a community before

• Because these areas are rich in nutrients

• Because these areas are always wet

• Because these areas have many animals

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If a volcano erupts and covers an area with lava, what type of ecological succession will occur as life returns?

• Primary succession

• Secondary succession

• Tertiary succession

• Climax succession

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Why are lichens and mosses able to grow in areas where other organisms cannot during primary succession?

• They require a lot of nutrients.

• They can survive in harsh, nutrient-poor environments.

• They need large amounts of water.

• They depend on animals for survival.

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Why is the generation of soil important in the process of primary succession?

• It allows the soil to retain nutrients needed for plant growth.

• It increases the temperature of the area.

• It attracts animals to the ecosystem.

• It prevents erosion by wind.

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How might the growth of small plants and ferns during primary succession affect the ecosystem over time?

• They help create conditions for larger plants to grow in the future.

• They prevent any other organisms from colonizing the area.

• They reduce the amount of soil available.

• They increase the rate of soil erosion.

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How does the process described in the material demonstrate the concept of ecological succession?

• It shows how an area changes over time from bare rock to a community of large plants.

• It shows how animals migrate to new areas.

• It explains how rocks are formed.

• It describes how water cycles through an ecosystem.

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Explain why organisms in each stage of primary succession might hinder their own survival but still benefit future organisms.

• They use up all the resources, leaving nothing for others.

• Their changes to the environment make it less suitable for themselves but more suitable for new species.

• They prevent any new species from entering.

• They do not interact with the environment.

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How does the concept of succession help ecologists understand changes in ecosystems?

• It explains how communities develop and reach stability over time

• It shows that ecosystems never change

• It focuses only on animal populations

• It ignores the role of plants in ecosystems

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