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Questions and Answers
Define ecological succession.
Define ecological succession.
Ecological succession is the natural, gradual, and orderly change in an environment. It is the gradual replacement of one plant community by another through natural processes over time.
What is the pioneer species for primary succession?
What is the pioneer species for primary succession?
Lichen
What is the pioneer species for secondary succession?
What is the pioneer species for secondary succession?
Grasses
What is a pioneer species?
What is a pioneer species?
Why is a pioneer species always a plant?
Why is a pioneer species always a plant?
Primary succession always begins where?
Primary succession always begins where?
Secondary succession always begins where?
Secondary succession always begins where?
Which type of succession occurs after a forest fire?
Which type of succession occurs after a forest fire?
Which type of succession occurs after a volcanic eruption?
Which type of succession occurs after a volcanic eruption?
Which type of succession occurs after a flood?
Which type of succession occurs after a flood?
Which type of succession occurs after a landslide or mudslide?
Which type of succession occurs after a landslide or mudslide?
Which process takes longer to reach a climax community?
Which process takes longer to reach a climax community?
What is a climax community?
What is a climax community?
Approximately how long does it take secondary succession to reach a climax community?
Approximately how long does it take secondary succession to reach a climax community?
Approximately how long does it take primary succession to reach a climax community?
Approximately how long does it take primary succession to reach a climax community?
Define tsunami.
Define tsunami.
Define disturbance.
Define disturbance.
Define flood.
Define flood.
Define wildfires.
Define wildfires.
Sustainability of an ecosystem is dependent upon _____.
Sustainability of an ecosystem is dependent upon _____.
The greater the biodiversity of an ecosystem, the greater its _________ will be.
The greater the biodiversity of an ecosystem, the greater its _________ will be.
What type of catastrophic event leads to ecosystems recovery through primary succession?
What type of catastrophic event leads to ecosystems recovery through primary succession?
List three effects of volcanoes on local ecosystems.
List three effects of volcanoes on local ecosystems.
List three effects of earthquakes on an ecosystem.
List three effects of earthquakes on an ecosystem.
List three effects of flooding.
List three effects of flooding.
What is the typical cause of tsunamis?
What is the typical cause of tsunamis?
What characteristics make lichen an ideal pioneer species in primary succession?
What characteristics make lichen an ideal pioneer species in primary succession?
Lichen is composed of two organisms that live in a symbiotic relationship. What are the two organisms and how do they support each other?
Lichen is composed of two organisms that live in a symbiotic relationship. What are the two organisms and how do they support each other?
Study Notes
Ecological Succession
- Defined as the gradual and orderly change in an environment, leading to the replacement of one plant community by another.
- Can occur in two main forms: primary and secondary succession.
Pioneer Species
- Primary succession begins with lichen as the pioneer species.
- Secondary succession starts with grasses as the pioneer species.
- Pioneer species are the first organisms to inhabit an area, initiating the succession process.
Importance of Pioneer Species
- Pioneer species are often plants because they can photosynthesize and do not rely on other organisms for survival.
Types of Succession
- Primary Succession occurs in lifeless areas with bare rock and no soil.
- Secondary Succession takes place in areas where soil is already present, often after disturbances like wildfires or floods.
Disturbances and Succession
- Wildfires and volcanic eruptions lead to secondary and primary succession, respectively.
- Floods can initiate either type of succession depending on soil presence.
- Landslides may also lead to both primary and secondary succession.
Climax Community
- A climax community is a mature, stable ecosystem, representing the final stage of succession.
- Takes approximately 500 to 1,000 years for primary succession to reach a climax community, while secondary succession takes about 150 years.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Sustainability
- Biodiversity is crucial for the sustainability of ecosystems; greater biodiversity enhances sustainability.
Environmental Disturbances
- Tsunamis: Fast-moving waves caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
- Floods: Natural disturbances that can lead to erosion and damage habitats.
- Wildfires: Can swiftly devastate flora and fauna through natural or human activities.
Effects of Natural Events
- Volcanoes: Increase land mass, can destroy surrounding vegetation, release ash affecting growth, and initiate new ecosystems.
- Earthquakes: Can cause destruction to infrastructure, trigger tsunamis, and alter landscapes.
- Flooding: Leads to topsoil erosion, habitat destruction, and damage to human structures.
Lichen as Pioneer Species
- Lichen thrives in harsh conditions; it is a producer and independent of soil and other organisms.
- Composed of a symbiotic relationship between fungus and algae or cyanobacterium, where fungus provides support, and algae conduct photosynthesis to nourish the fungus.
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Description
This quiz covers the key concepts of ecological succession, including definitions and the types of pioneer species involved in primary and secondary succession. Test your knowledge on how ecosystems change and evolve over time with these flashcards.
