Ecological Succession and Extinction Quiz

Questions and Answers

Which statement best describes ecological succession?

It is a series of rapid changes in an ecosystem.

It never occurs in a predictable pattern.

It occurs after a disturbance. (correct)

It is always caused by human intervention.

What is the role of a pioneer species in primary succession?

to provide shade

to destroy parasites

to produce the soil (correct)

to provide fruit

Which factor can cause secondary succession?

clear cutting (correct)

predation

glacial melting

competition

How are rhinoceroses classified under the Endangered Species Act?

endangered Signup and view all the answers

Why are lichens a good pioneer species after a volcanic eruption?

They are able to grow on bare rock. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of process first occurred in the ecosystem around Mount St. Helens after it erupted?

primary succession Signup and view all the answers

What is most likely to result immediately after a rainforest in Brazil is clear-cut?

secondary succession Signup and view all the answers

Which disturbance would result in primary succession?

the formation of Surtsey, a volcanic island off of the southern coast of Iceland Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ecological Succession Overview

Ecological succession is a natural process that occurs after a disturbance in an ecosystem, leading to gradual changes over time.
Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas where soil needs to be formed, whereas secondary succession takes place in areas that previously supported life but have been disturbed.

Pioneer Species

Pioneer species, such as lichens, play a crucial role in primary succession by creating soil, facilitating the establishment of further plant life.
Lichens are particularly well-suited for colonizing bare rock following disturbances like volcanic eruptions.

Factors Influencing Succession

Clear-cutting of forests can trigger secondary succession as the ecosystem rebounds from human-induced changes.
Disturbances like volcanic eruptions initiate primary succession, setting the stage for ecosystem recovery from scratch.

Endangered Species Classification

Rhinoceroses are classified as endangered under the Endangered Species Act due to drastic population declines towards extinction.

Disturbance Effects

The clear-cutting of rainforests leads to secondary succession as it disrupts the existing community, making way for new growth.
Primary succession is exemplified by the formation of new landmasses, like volcanic islands, where ecosystems have to start anew.

Key Events

The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens marked the onset of primary succession in its surrounding ecosystem due to widespread destruction and the need for new soil formation.
Harvesting methods, such as combine harvesting, affect the ecosystem but do not typically initiate primary succession.

Description

Test your understanding of ecological succession and the critical roles species play within ecosystems. This quiz covers key concepts, including the definition of succession and the importance of pioneer species. Challenge your knowledge of environmental science as you explore how ecosystems develop and change over time.