Succession

What factors influence the rate of succession?

• Type of disturbance, climate, soil quality, and availability of species

• Only the type of disturbance

• Climate and soil quality only

• Availability of species and human intervention

What is a keystone species?

• A species that is the most abundant in an ecosystem

• A species that has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance

• A species that is at the top of the food chain

• A species that is only found in a specific habitat

Give an example of secondary succession.

• The regrowth of a forest after a wildfire, where the soil remains and seeds can germinate.

• The formation of a new island from volcanic activity.

• The initial colonization of bare rock by lichens and mosses.

• The growth of a desert after a heavy rainfall.

What is ecological succession?

• Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, involving a series of progressive changes in species composition and community structure.

• Ecological succession is the immediate replacement of one species by another in a stable ecosystem.

• Ecological succession refers to the random changes in species populations without any specific order.

• Ecological succession is the process of species extinction in a given habitat.

What is a climax community?

• A temporary ecological community that is in the process of succession.

• A stable and mature ecological community that has reached the final stage of succession, characterized by a diverse array of species.

• A community that is dominated by a single species and lacks biodiversity.

• An ecological community that is constantly changing and never reaches stability.

What is primary succession?

• A process that occurs in lifeless areas where soil has not yet formed, such as after a volcanic eruption or glacier retreat, leading to the establishment of a biological community.

• A type of ecological succession that occurs in areas that have been disturbed but still have soil and some life.

• The gradual process of change and replacement in the species composition of a community over time.

• A phenomenon where existing ecosystems are destroyed and new ecosystems are formed without any prior life.

What is the difference between autotrophs and heterotrophs in an ecosystem?

• Autotrophs are organisms that produce their own food, while heterotrophs are organisms that consume other organisms for energy.

• Autotrophs are organisms that consume other organisms for energy, while heterotrophs are organisms that produce their own food.

• Autotrophs are organisms that can survive without sunlight, while heterotrophs require sunlight to survive.

• Autotrophs are organisms that decompose organic material, while heterotrophs are organisms that create organic material.

What is the significance of biodiversity in an ecosystem?

• Biodiversity enhances ecosystem resilience, productivity, and stability, allowing ecosystems to better withstand disturbances and adapt to changes.

• Biodiversity reduces the number of species in an ecosystem, leading to less competition for resources.

• Biodiversity has no significant impact on ecosystem functions or services.

• Biodiversity only benefits certain species and does not affect the overall ecosystem health.

How can succession be observed over time?

• Through short-term studies of species diversity

• By monitoring changes in species composition and community structure

• Using satellite imagery to track land use changes

• Conducting random surveys of local wildlife

What is secondary succession?

• A process where a community develops from bare rock after a volcanic eruption.

• A type of ecological succession that occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed an existing community but left the soil intact, such as after a forest fire or flood.

• The initial colonization of barren land by pioneer species.

• A succession that occurs in a stable ecosystem without any disturbances.