Questions and Answers
What is the gradual change in species composition and processes of communities over time called?
Ecological succession
Which of the following can be classified as natural disturbances? (Select all that apply)
What factor refers to long-term shifts in temperature that can alter species suitability?
What are pioneer species in primary succession that contribute to soil formation after a volcanic eruption?
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Invasive species can help stabilize existing communities.
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The types of succession that begin in ponds or marshes are termed _____ and different stages are called hydrosere.
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What stage in hydrosere is characterized by plant life that is submerged?
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Which of the following plants is an example of a root plant found in the submerged stage?
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What type of human restoration efforts can influence ecological succession?
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What is the gradual change in species composition and processes of communities over time called?
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Which of the following are causes of ecological succession? (Select all that apply)
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Soil composition only affects primary succession and not secondary succession.
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What type of plant succession begins in water bodies?
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What do we call the first stage of hydrosere characterized by a bottom barren of plant life?
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During which stage of hydrosere are the plants entirely submerged?
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Match the stage of hydrosere with its description:
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What human activities can lead to secondary succession?
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Study Notes
Ecological Succession
- Gradual change in species composition and community processes over time.
- Important for ecosystem management and understanding landscape dynamics.
Causes of Succession
-
Disturbance:
- Natural disturbances (wildfires, hurricanes, floods, volcanic eruptions) can create opportunities for new communities.
- Human-made disturbances (deforestation, agriculture, urbanization, mining, pollution) lead to altered or destroyed habitats.
-
Climatic Factors:
- Long-term shifts in climate can change species suitability in an area.
- Microclimate variations (localized changes in light, moisture, wind) can influence species composition.
-
Soil Composition and Nutrient Availability:
- Primary succession begins in areas lacking soil, requiring pioneer species to contribute to soil development.
- Nutrient changes in soil over time (decomposition, nutrient cycling) can lead to shifts in community structure.
-
Biotic Factors:
- Species interactions (competition, predation, herbivory, mutualism) drive succession.
- Invasive species can disrupt existing communities, initiating new succession processes.
-
Geological Factors:
- Tectonic activity (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions) can dramatically alter environments, prompting succession.
- Erosion and sedimentation affect soil and vegetation, creating new habitats.
-
Human Restoration Efforts:
- Reforestation and habitat restoration can accelerate or modify natural succession processes.
-
Ecesis/Continuing Causes:
- Processes like migration and competition lead to population changes due to alterations in local conditions.
-
Stabilizing Causes:
- Stabilization of communities often attributed to climate, which is considered a primary factor.
Types of Succession
-
Hydrosere:
-
Plant successions occurring in aquatic environments, progressing from deep water to shallow areas.
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Pioneer Stage: Characterized by barren bottoms; pioneers include phytoplankton like microscopic algae and bacteria.
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Submerged Stage: Found in water less than 20 feet deep; includes submerged plants like Potamogeton and Hornwort. These plants contribute to soil formation.
-
Floating Stage: Present in waters that are 6-8 feet deep, includes rooted plants with floating leaves such as water lilies and free-floating plants like Lemna and Eichhornia.
-
Ecological Succession
- Gradual change in species composition and community processes over time.
- Important for ecosystem management and understanding landscape dynamics.
Causes of Succession
-
Disturbance:
- Natural disturbances (wildfires, hurricanes, floods, volcanic eruptions) can create opportunities for new communities.
- Human-made disturbances (deforestation, agriculture, urbanization, mining, pollution) lead to altered or destroyed habitats.
-
Climatic Factors:
- Long-term shifts in climate can change species suitability in an area.
- Microclimate variations (localized changes in light, moisture, wind) can influence species composition.
-
Soil Composition and Nutrient Availability:
- Primary succession begins in areas lacking soil, requiring pioneer species to contribute to soil development.
- Nutrient changes in soil over time (decomposition, nutrient cycling) can lead to shifts in community structure.
-
Biotic Factors:
- Species interactions (competition, predation, herbivory, mutualism) drive succession.
- Invasive species can disrupt existing communities, initiating new succession processes.
-
Geological Factors:
- Tectonic activity (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions) can dramatically alter environments, prompting succession.
- Erosion and sedimentation affect soil and vegetation, creating new habitats.
-
Human Restoration Efforts:
- Reforestation and habitat restoration can accelerate or modify natural succession processes.
-
Ecesis/Continuing Causes:
- Processes like migration and competition lead to population changes due to alterations in local conditions.
-
Stabilizing Causes:
- Stabilization of communities often attributed to climate, which is considered a primary factor.
Types of Succession
-
Hydrosere:
-
Plant successions occurring in aquatic environments, progressing from deep water to shallow areas.
-
Pioneer Stage: Characterized by barren bottoms; pioneers include phytoplankton like microscopic algae and bacteria.
-
Submerged Stage: Found in water less than 20 feet deep; includes submerged plants like Potamogeton and Hornwort. These plants contribute to soil formation.
-
Floating Stage: Present in waters that are 6-8 feet deep, includes rooted plants with floating leaves such as water lilies and free-floating plants like Lemna and Eichhornia.
-
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Test your knowledge on ecological succession and community development. Explore the causes and patterns of species composition changes within ecosystems. Understanding these processes is vital for effective ecosystem management.
