How Ecosystems Can Recover Over Time

An environmental scientist observed the stage of primary succession in an area and recorded his observations on note cards. Which of the following sequences show the correct order of events? (TEK: 7.10C, 7.2E)

1. Pioneer species grow, die, and form soil

2. Volcano erupts leaving only ash and rock.

3. Mosses and lichens grow amongst the rock.

4. Plants grow and die in the soil, contributing more nutrients for other plants to grow.

• 1, 3, 4, 2

• 1, 4, 2, 3

• 2, 3, 1, 4

• 2, 1, 4, 3

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Which of the following is the best definition of an ecosystem? (TEK 7.8A)

• All biotic and abiotic things located in a space no smaller than a forest

• All biotic things located within a particular space

• All the biotic things located in space the size of a forest

• All the biotic and abiotic things located within a particular area

Deforestation occurs when a lumber company cuts down all the trees on 100 acres of heavily wooded land. What will happen first as the land recovers during ecological succession? (TEK 7.10C)

• Breakdown of rock into soil

• Appearance of weeds and grass

• Arrival of squirrels

• Growth of trees

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What is one way secondary succession differs from primary succession? (TEK 7.10C)

• Secondary succession is typically quicker than primary succession.

• Secondary succession is typically slower than primary succession.

• Secondary succession only occurs in mountains, primary succession only occurs in wetlands.

• Secondary succession is the gradual change in plant species, while primary succession is the gradual change in animal species.

As ecological succession progresses, a pioneer community gradually changes into a climax community. What typically happens during this process? (TEK 7.10C)

• The number of species increases

• The number of species decreases

• The organisms in the area decreases in size.

• The organisms in the area can no longer find food.

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Ecological succession can best be described as: (TEK 7.10C)

• A change in weather.

• The dominant species in one particular area.

• A gradual change in plant and animal life in an ecosystem over time.

• Species that survive best when there is little or no competition in an area.

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An empty lot that was only covered in dirt ten years ago is now home to many different species of plants and animals. Based on your knowledge about ecological succession, what can you infer? ( TEK 7.10C)

• People must have planted all the plants in the empty lot.

• There are more rocks in the soil compared to ten years ago.

• There are more nutrients in the soil compared to ten years ago.

• The animals will not survive because there are not enough plants.

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Which statement about pioneer species is TRUE? (TEK 7.10C)

• Pioneer species require soil to grow.

• Pioneer species are organisms that are made up of only one cell.

• Pioneer species thrive during the early stages of ecological succession.

• Pioneer species, such as hardwood trees, thrive during the final stages of ecological succession.

This diagram above represents a process that occurs in nature. This diagram can be used to illustrate the (TEK 7.10C)

• effects of reduced competition between different types of plant life

• effect of human intervention on a stable ecosystem

• ecological succession from bare rock to stable ecosystem

• evolution of mosses to trees over 200 years

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What would most likely occur after an ecosystem is disrupted by fire? (TEK 7.10C)

• The ecosystem would eventually return to its original state.

• The ecosystem would return to its previous state immediately.

• The ecosystem would evolve into a new ecosystem that is totally different from the original.

• The ecosystem would become an ever-changing environment with no stability.

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