lecture 16- ecology

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What is the main difference between primary succession and secondary succession?

Primary succession occurs on bare surfaces like rock or sand, while secondary succession occurs after disturbances on soil. (correct)

Primary succession is initiated by human activities, while secondary succession is a natural process.

Primary succession is accelerated by pioneer species, while secondary succession is a slower process.

Primary succession occurs in habitats with intact soil, while secondary succession occurs in habitats devoid of soil.

How do disturbance events impact ecosystem structure and function?

Disturbances result in changes in species composition and habitat availability. (correct)

Disturbances primarily benefit individual organisms and populations.

Disturbance events lead to increased species diversity in an ecosystem.

Disturbances only occur naturally and do not have anthropogenic causes.

What is the role of pioneer species in the process of succession?

Pioneer species inhibit the development of soil in newly formed habitats.

Pioneer species contribute to organic matter accumulation and promote weathering. (correct)

Pioneer species negatively impact biodiversity in ecosystems.

Pioneer species thrive only in already established ecosystems.

What is a chronosequence in the context of ecological succession?

A series of sites representing different stages of succession, ordered by time since disturbance. Signup and view all the answers

Why do disturbances, both natural and anthropogenic, play a crucial role in shaping ecosystems?

Disturbances create opportunities for colonization, promote biodiversity, and maintain ecological processes. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of succession occurs on newly formed or barren substrates devoid of soil?

Primary Succession Signup and view all the answers

What accelerates the process of succession in secondary succession compared to primary succession?

Pre-existing soil substrate Signup and view all the answers

Which type of succession occurs in areas that have been disturbed by events like wildfires, hurricanes, or human activities?

Secondary Succession Signup and view all the answers

What are the initial pioneer species in primary succession that colonize barren environments?

Lichens and mosses Signup and view all the answers

Which type of succession starts the process with a stable soil substrate?

Secondary Succession Signup and view all the answers

What refers to the gradual and predictable changes in species composition, community structure, and ecosystem function in response to environmental disturbances or changes in abiotic and biotic factors?

Ecological succession Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor that can cause changes in communities and ecosystems over time?

Stable climax community Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the process of succession by creating opportunities for new species to colonize and establish in ecosystems?

Disturbances Signup and view all the answers

How do natural disturbances like wildfires contribute to ecosystem changes?

Create opportunities for new species to establish Signup and view all the answers

Shifts in climate patterns can lead to alterations in which of the following aspects of ecosystems?

Species distribution and abundance Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes primary succession from secondary succession?

Presence of soil Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between disturbance-induced succession and microbial succession?

Time scale of occurrence Signup and view all the answers

Which factor may influence long-term successional trends in ecosystems?

Climate change Signup and view all the answers

Which factor influences the time scale of succession?

Type of disturbance Signup and view all the answers

What type of disturbances can lead to secondary succession?

Tree falls in forests Signup and view all the answers

In which type of succession does soil already contain seeds and spores for plant colonization?

Secondary succession Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes primary succession in terms of timeline compared to secondary succession?

Longer time scale Signup and view all the answers

In what time frame does microbial succession typically occur?

Hours to days Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes long-term successional trends from disturbance-induced succession?

Influence of geological processes Signup and view all the answers

How do propagules influence the speed of secondary succession?

Accelerate plant colonization Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary driver of succession in ecosystems?

Interactions between biotic and abiotic factors Signup and view all the answers

In the context of secondary succession, what typically represents a significant disturbance to the ecosystem?

The abandonment of farmland Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of aquatic succession?

Colonization of open water by floating plants followed by emergent plants Signup and view all the answers

How does the process of succession contribute to ecosystem development?

It enhances biodiversity and resilience to disturbances Signup and view all the answers

What marks the beginning of secondary succession in ecosystems like abandoned farmland?

Abandonment of the farmland Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference in time scale between succession in grasslands/pioneer communities and mature forests/climax communities?

Grasslands progress through succession in a few years, whereas mature forests may take centuries or millennia. Signup and view all the answers

What are baselines used for in measuring changes in ecosystems over time?

Baselines represent the historical or natural state of an ecosystem before human impacts. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes when successive generations perceive degraded conditions as normal?

Shifting baselines Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes pristine ecosystems?

Untouched by human activity and free from significant disturbance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Yellowstone trophic cascade related to?

Ecological changes following wolf reintroduction in Yellowstone National Park. Signup and view all the answers