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Ecological Succession

  • Game Code: 172253
  •  English    20     Public
    Ecological Succession
  •   Study   Slideshow
  • Can you define ecological succession?
    A series of changes that occur in a community (or ecosystem) over time.
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  • Why do ecosystems (or communities) change over time?
    Because of disturbances. These could include fires, volcanoes, floods, landslides, mining, deforestation, meteors, ect.
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  • What is happening here.
    A disturbance that will cause the ecosystem (or community) to change.
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  • What are the two types of ecological succession?
    Primary Succession and Secondary Succession
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  • Can you define primary succession?
    Succession that typically begins in an area with no remnants of a previous community. Example; A volcanic eruption that destroyed absolutely everything.
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  • Describe this phenomena. What will happen next in terms of the ecology?
    This is an underwater volcano breaking the surface of the ocean. After the lava has cooled a new island will form and primary succession will begin.
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  • After a glacier that has been on the land for 10,000 years retreats, which type of ecological succession will most likely occur?
    Primary Succession
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  • Can you define what secondary succession is?
    It is a type of succession that typically takes place after floods, forest fires, mining, ect.
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  • Will secondary succession take place in an area where all the life was completely destroyed?
    No. Total destruction means primary succession will take place.
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  • What is a pioneer species?
    The first species to colonize a barren area going through primary succession.
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  • What is this species?
    This is Lichen. It is an example of a pioneer species.
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  • Why are lichens such important species in primary succession?
    Because they can break down rocks into soil.
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  • What is a climax community?
    A stable community with a diverse number of species. This should be the end result of ecological succession done right.
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  • After lichens break down rocks into soil, what can grow next?
    Moss
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  • After mosses break down soil even further and create more soil, what can grow there?
    Grasses.
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  • After grasses have lived in an area for a long time and created enough detritus and soil, what can grow there next?
    Shrubs and bushes.
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