Ecological Succession

• Which of the following best defines ecological succession?
  

• • The rapid growth of a single species in an area

• • The process by which ecosystems change and develop over time

• • The elimination of pioneer species from an environment

• • The natural disaster recovery time for an ecosystem

What is the main difference between primary and secondary succession?

• Primary succession is faster than secondary succession
  

• Secondary succession occurs in areas where soil is already present

• Primary succession follows natural disasters, while secondary follows human activity

• Secondary succession happens only in aquatic ecosystems

Which of the following is an example of secondary succession?

• Lichen growing on newly formed volcanic rock

• Plant regrowth in an abandoned farm field

• Moss growing on rocks in the Arctic

• Grass colonizing sand dunes

Which organism is most likely to be a pioneer species in primary succession?

• Oak tree

• Lichen

• Deer

• Grasses

What is a climax community?

• The first stage of primary succession

• A stable, mature ecosystem that has reached equilibrium

• An area recovering from a wildfire

• A temporary ecosystem

Which best describes the role of pioneer species in succession?

• They prepare the environment for future species – Pioneer species, such as lichens and mosses, are the first to colonize barren or disturbed areas. They break down rock, add organic matter to the soil, and create conditions that allow other plants and animals to establish themselves.

• They dominate the ecosystem permanently – Pioneer species quickly establish themselves and remain the dominant species in the ecosystem, preventing other plants from growing.

• They thrive in all ecosystems equally – Pioneer species are found in every environment and grow at the same rate regardless of conditions.

• They slow down ecological succession – Pioneer species delay the recovery of ecosystems by competing with other plants and making it difficult for new species to take root.

How does fire play a role in maintaining some ecosystems? Provide an example of a fire-adapted community.

Why do smaller plants and grasses eventually disappear in secondary succession when larger trees begin to grow?

Based on the graph ‘Species Abundance Over Time in Primary Succession,’ describe what happens to the species present in the community over time.

Using the "Species Abundance Over Time in Primary Succession" graph:

Which species increases the fastest in the first 20 years?

• Lichen

• Moss

• Shrub

• Trees