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Ecological Succession

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  • Small bushes and shrubs will usually be outcompeted by _.
    Taller trees that create too much shade for the bushes and shrubs to handle.
  • Why do ecosystems (or communities) change over time?
    Because of disturbances. These could include fires, volcanoes, floods, landslides, mining, deforestation, meteors, ect.
  • Will secondary succession take place in an area where all the life was completely destroyed?
    No. Total destruction means primary succession will take place.
  • After lichens break down rocks into soil, what can grow next?
    Moss
  • 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.
  • In the ecological succession of a pond, when can frogs and fish start to live there?
    At some point AFTER the water has been colonized by algae.
  • Can you define what secondary succession is?
    It is a type of succession that typically takes place after floods, forest fires, mining, ect.
  • What is detritus. If there is enough of it, what can be made?
    Detritus is the remains of dead organisms such as lichens, plants, and animals. If there is enough detritus, soil can be made.
  • What is a pioneer species?
    The first species to colonize a barren area going through primary succession.
  • Why are lichens such important species in primary succession?
    Because they can break down rocks into soil.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • What are the two types of ecological succession?
    Primary Succession and Secondary Succession
  • What is this species?
    This is Lichen. It is an example of a pioneer species.
  • Can you define ecological succession?
    A series of changes that occur in a community (or ecosystem) over time.
  • 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.
  • Notice the barren landscape. How can lichens and plants get here?
    Their seeds and spores are carried in by the wind.
  • What is happening here.
    A disturbance that will cause the ecosystem (or community) to change.
  • After mosses break down soil even further and create more soil, what can grow there?
    Grasses.
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