Ecological Succession Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is ecological succession?

The process of one ecological community gradually changing into another (correct)

A sudden change in an ecosystem

A project conducted in a laboratory

The restoration of a damaged ecosystem

A climax community is a stable community that continually goes through major ecological changes.

False

What usually grows first during ecological succession in land ecosystems?

Small plants

Ecological succession that occurs in areas of land with little or no soil or vegetation is known as __________ succession.

primary Signup and view all the answers

What is sediment primarily defined as?

Any material broken down by weathering and transported by wind, water, or gravity Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of ecological succession with its example.

Primary succession = Lava flow Secondary succession = Forestland cleared hundreds of years ago Signup and view all the answers

Sediment transported by runoff can improve aquatic habitats.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of secondary succession?

A forest recovering after wildfire Signup and view all the answers

What negative environmental impact can occur from too much sediment in water bodies?

Habitat loss Signup and view all the answers

Aquatic ecosystems change over time in a predictable manner similar to land ecosystems.

True Signup and view all the answers

What two types of ecological succession are identified in the content?

Primary succession and secondary succession Signup and view all the answers

Sediment that settles on the bottoms of rivers may cover the ______ of fish or other animals.

habitats Signup and view all the answers

Match the following phenomena with their effects on ecosystems:

Forest fires = Can cause massive amounts of damage Floods = May disrupt resources for organisms Volcanic eruptions = Can lead to sudden ecosystem changes Persistent drought = May reduce available nutrients Signup and view all the answers

The series of steps in ecological succession starts with __________ plants and ends with larger plants.

small Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes primarily transports sediment?

Water Signup and view all the answers

What is the final stage of ecological succession called?

Climax community Signup and view all the answers

Changing ecosystems can lead to a dynamic equilibrium in populations.

True Signup and view all the answers

How can excessive sediment affect the visibility in water?

It reduces visibility. Signup and view all the answers

Natural disruptions like floods can make it difficult for organisms to ______.

adapt Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential benefit of certain ecosystem changes over time?

Control of population sizes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ecosystem Change

Ecosystems change over time in a gradual process often not noticeable daily.
This gradual change is called ecological succession.

Ecological Succession

Ecological succession is the process of one community gradually changing to another.
It happens in stages.
For example, small plants often appear first, followed by larger plants like trees.
The final stage is a "climax community," a stable ecosystem not changing significantly.

Types of Ecological Succession

Primary Succession: Occurs in new areas with little to no soil or vegetation. Examples include lava flows, sand dunes, and exposed rock.
Secondary Succession: Occurs in areas where existing ecosystems have been disturbed or destroyed. Examples include forestland cleared many years ago and returning to a forest.

Aquatic Succession

Freshwater ecosystems also change over time in a process called aquatic succession.
Sediments (material weathered and transported by wind, water, or gravity) build up at the bottom, eventually transforming the area.
Runoff carries sediments into streams.

Effects of Sediment on Aquatic Organisms

Too much sediment harms aquatic habitats, causing flooding and clogging waterways.
Sedimentation negatively affects habitats.
Reduced visibility makes it challenging for aquatic animals to find food.
Sediment can also block sunlight from reaching plants.
This can suffocate fish and other aquatic animals

Eutrophication

Eutrophication is a process of nutrient enrichment in water bodies.
Decaying organisms, runoff from fertilizers, and other sources contribute to this.
Eutrophication can make the water nutrient-rich.
Overgrowth of algae can deplete oxygen in the water body.

Changing Ecosystems and Populations

Ecosystems operate under dynamic equilibrium—a balance between different parts.
Disruptions, like fires, floods, volcanic eruptions, or disease, can harm the balance of an ecosystem.
Such events can be sudden or long-term.
These changes can sometimes impact the availability of resources for organisms, potentially threatening populations.

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Description

Test your knowledge on ecological succession, its types, and the gradual changes ecosystems undergo over time. This quiz covers primary and secondary succession, as well as aquatic succession, providing examples to enhance your understanding of these concepts.