Ecological Succession Concepts

The video explores ecological succession, focusing on primary and secondary succession. Primary succession involves the development of ecosystems in uninhabited areas, such as new land formed by volcanic lava or glacial retreat. Pioneer species like moss and lichen initiate this process. Secondary succession occurs after disturbances in established ecosystems, like forest fires, and is faster due to existing soil. The video provides examples, including Chernobyl and urban decay, illustrating how ecosystems reestablish over time.

What does the term 'succession' mean in the context of ecological succession?

• To destroy

• To replace

• To follow

• To precede

Which of the following is a mode of primary succession?

• Urban decay

• Forest fire

• Tree falling in a forest

• Volcanic lava creating new land

What are pioneer species?

• Species that follow after a disturbance

• Organisms that can only live in rich soil

• The last organisms to inhabit an area

• The first organisms to inhabit a new land

Which organisms are commonly known as pioneer species?

• Trees and shrubs

• Moss and lichen

• Birds and insects

• Carnivores and herbivores

How do seeds typically arrive in a new area during primary succession?

• By human intervention

• Carried by wind and animals

• Through soil erosion

• Through volcanic eruptions

What is a characteristic of a climax community?

• It is the initial stage of succession

• It is devoid of any animal life

• It has a thin layer of soil

• It is a stable and mature ecosystem

What triggers secondary succession?

• The formation of new land

• The arrival of pioneer species

• The growth of large trees

• A disturbance in an established ecosystem

Which of the following is an example of secondary succession?

• Lava cooling into new land

• A forest regrowing after a fire

• A glacier retreating

• Moss growing on bare rock

What happens to the ecosystem after a disturbance in secondary succession?

• It becomes a desert

• It is permanently destroyed

• It remains barren

• It reestablishes itself over time

What is a common outcome when a tree falls in a forest?

• The ecosystem is destroyed

• A gap in the canopy is filled by new growth

• The forest becomes barren

• The soil becomes infertile