Pioneer Species
What are the first organisms to colonize barren environments?
Pioneer Species
What is meant by primary succession?
the initial stage of ecological succession, which is the process of species changing over time in an ecological community
What is secondary succession?
a type of ecological succession that occurs when a disturbance impacts a biological community, but not all life and nutrients are eliminated from the environment.
What is a climax community?
A mature ecosystem with great biodiversity
What is ecological succession?
the process by which the composition of species within an ecological community gradually changes over time, typically progressing from a pioneer species to a more complex climax community
Name one example of a pioneer species.
Moss
Lichen
How does primary succession differ from secondary succession?
Starts with rock, secondary starts with soil
Name a common disturbance that can lead to secondary succession.
tornado, fire, abandonment
How does a climax community change over time?
Greater biodiversity and stability
Name the two main types of ecological succession.
Primary and Secondary
How do pioneer species contribute to the environment?
Soil Formation
What conditions lead to primary succession?
Pioneer species breaking down rock to form soil.
How does the recovery of an ecosystem occur during secondary succession?
Answers will vary
What factors can affect the stability of a climax community?
climate change, environmental disturbances, habitat loss, invasive species, human activities, etc.
How does ecological succession impact biodiversity?
Increases biodiversity over time
What role do pioneer species play in ecological succession?
Start ecological succession with the development of soil.
Describe the stages of primary succession.
Accept reasonable answers.
What are some examples of secondary species (what follows pioneer species)?
Answers will vary.
grasses, fireweed, birch trees, shrubs, and small trees
Describe characteristics of a climax community.
a stable, self-sustaining ecosystem with high species diversity, complex interactions between organisms, a well-established niche for each species, and a moderate environmental condition
Describe the process of succession following a forest fire.
Answers will vary
Explain the importance of lichens and mosses as pioneer species.
Release acids that break down rock and help form soil
Give an example of a location where primary succession occurs.
Area after volcanic activity or glacial scrapings.
Explain how secondary succession can happen faster than primary succession.
Secondary already starts with soil, which is a very time consuming process in primary succession.
Why is a climax community considered the final stage of succession?
Mature ecosystem with minimal future change.
Discuss the role of humans in disrupting ecological succession.
Fires, pollution, habitat loss, deforestation, etc.