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___________________ is the process of one ecological community gradually changing into another.
ecological succesion
A _______________________ is a stable community that no longer goes through major ecological changes.
climax community
How can deforestation affect ecosystems?
It reduces living space and food for species.
After a forest fire, what is usually the first thing to return?
mosses and grasses (small plants)
What is an example of secondary succession?
forest regrowth after land clearing
forest fire and new plants growing afterwards
What is a potential effect of nonnative species in an ecosystem?
They may crowd out native species.
_________________________ is the balance between different parts of the ecosystem
dynamic equilibrium
When sediments move into water it creates _______________
soil
What kinds of things can cause natural disruptions in ecosystems?
Forest fires, floods, and volcanic eruptions.
What is the main difference between primary and secondary succession?
Primary succession starts with no soil, while secondary succession starts with existing soil.
What role do sediments play in aquatic succession?
They create soil that gradually fills the water body.
What are ways sediment can negatively affects ecosystems?
damage habitats
cause flooding
hard for animals to see underwater
suffocates animals
prevents light from reaching plants
_____________________ species are the first species that colonize new or undisturbed land
pioneer
____________________ is the process of a body of water becoming nutrient rich.
euthrophication
What typically happens first during primary succession on volcanic rock?
Lichens begin to colonize the rock
What positive effect can natural disruptions have on an ecosystem?
control sizes of populations
all new growth of plant life
How might a drought affect an ecosystem?
It reduces plant growth and affects food availability.
How can human activity speed up eutrophication?
By allowing fertilizer runoff to enter water bodies.
What is the final stage of aquatic succession?
the body of water becomes land
____________________ occurs when contaminants are brought into an environment and cause negative change
Pollution