Succession
What are some differences between primary succession and secondary succession?
Primary succession begins on bare rock without soil, while secondary succession starts on existing soil after a disturbance.
How does increased use of fossil fuels impact the carbon cycle?
releasing vast amounts of stored carbon into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2), significantly accelerating the increase in atmospheric CO2 levels and contributing to climate change.
What is symbiosis or a symbiotic relationship?
a close and prolonged interaction between two different biological species.
What is a pioneer species?
the first species to colonize a barren environment or a disturbed ecosystem.
Name processes or events that add carbon to the atmosphere
respiration, decomposition, combustion of fossil fuels, and volcanic eruptions.
define mutualism. how can you tell if a relationship is an example of mutualism?
a type of symbiotic relationship where two different species of organisms benefit from their interaction.
you can tell if a relationship is an example of mutualism if both participating species benefit from the interaction.
what are the stages in primary succession?
pioneer species colonization, and climax community development
Where do animals get most of their nitrogen?
from their diet, whether it's from consuming plants or other animals that contain nitrogenous compounds like proteins.
define commensalism. how can you tell if a relationship is an example of commensalism?
a symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits, while the other is neither harmed nor helped.
To identify a commensal relationship, look for one organism deriving a benefit (food, shelter, transport, etc.) from another, while the other species remains unaffected by the interaction.
What are the stages in secondary succession?
pioneer species, intermediate species, and a final climax community.
define parasitism. how can you tell if a relationship is an example of parasitism?
Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship where one organism, the parasite, benefits at the expense of another organism, the host, without necessarily killing it.
To determine if a relationship is parasitic, one organism benefits from another, the beneficiary is much smaller than the recipient, and the recipient (host) is harmed in some way, but not necessarily killed.