Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is ecological succession?
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.
A climax community is a stable community that continually goes through major ecological changes.
False (B)
What usually grows first during ecological succession in land ecosystems?
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.
Ecological succession that occurs in areas of land with little or no soil or vegetation is known as __________ succession.
What is sediment primarily defined as?
What is sediment primarily defined as?
Match the type of ecological succession with its example.
Match the type of ecological succession with its example.
Sediment transported by runoff can improve aquatic habitats.
Sediment transported by runoff can improve aquatic habitats.
Which of the following is an example of secondary succession?
Which of the following is an example of secondary succession?
What negative environmental impact can occur from too much sediment in water bodies?
What negative environmental impact can occur from too much sediment in water bodies?
Aquatic ecosystems change over time in a predictable manner similar to land ecosystems.
Aquatic ecosystems change over time in a predictable manner similar to land ecosystems.
What two types of ecological succession are identified in the content?
What two types of ecological succession are identified in the content?
Sediment that settles on the bottoms of rivers may cover the ______ of fish or other animals.
Sediment that settles on the bottoms of rivers may cover the ______ of fish or other animals.
Match the following phenomena with their effects on ecosystems:
Match the following phenomena with their effects on ecosystems:
The series of steps in ecological succession starts with __________ plants and ends with larger plants.
The series of steps in ecological succession starts with __________ plants and ends with larger plants.
Which of the following processes primarily transports sediment?
Which of the following processes primarily transports sediment?
What is the final stage of ecological succession called?
What is the final stage of ecological succession called?
Changing ecosystems can lead to a dynamic equilibrium in populations.
Changing ecosystems can lead to a dynamic equilibrium in populations.
How can excessive sediment affect the visibility in water?
How can excessive sediment affect the visibility in water?
Natural disruptions like floods can make it difficult for organisms to ______.
Natural disruptions like floods can make it difficult for organisms to ______.
What is a potential benefit of certain ecosystem changes over time?
What is a potential benefit of certain ecosystem changes over time?
Flashcards
Ecological Succession
Ecological Succession
The gradual process of one ecological community changing into another.
Primary Succession
Primary Succession
Ecological succession that begins in areas with little or no soil, like a volcanic eruption.
Secondary Succession
Secondary Succession
Ecological succession that occurs in areas where existing ecosystems have been disturbed, like a wildfire.
Climax Community
Climax Community
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Aquatic Succession
Aquatic Succession
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Ecological Change
Ecological Change
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Long-Term Ecosystem Changes
Long-Term Ecosystem Changes
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Pioneer Succession
Pioneer Succession
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Ecosystem Recovery
Ecosystem Recovery
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Community Replacement
Community Replacement
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Sediment
Sediment
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Sediment transport
Sediment transport
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Sedimentation
Sedimentation
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Dynamic equilibrium
Dynamic equilibrium
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Ecosystem change
Ecosystem change
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Effects on populations
Effects on populations
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Natural disruptions
Natural disruptions
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Adaptation
Adaptation
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Gradual change
Gradual change
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Benefits of ecosystem change
Benefits of ecosystem change
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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.
