Mature and Immature Ecosystems
What does net productivity look like for mature ecosystems?
Low
What happens to biodiversity?
Decreases
What are the first colonizers of an ecosystem
Pioneer species
What follows the pioneer species?
Intermediate species
True or false: ecosystems are static in nature
False
What does species diversity look like for immature ecosystems?
Low
What happens to productivity?
Increases
At what level is the peak of diversity?
Intermediate
What must remain in the ecosystem for secondary succession to begin?
Soil and nutrients
What is resilience?
The ability of an ecosystem to recover to the original state following disturbance
What do food chains look like for immature vs. mature, respectively?
Linear and web-like
What happens to pioneer species?
Increases
What is an example of a pioneer species?
Lichen
When does it occur?
After a disturbance
What is a transitional zone, where two different ecosystems meet and integrate
What does niche look like for immature ecosystems?
Broad
What happens to nutrient cycling, water uptake, and water storage?
At what pace does primary succession happen?
Very slow
What is a climatic climax ecosystem dependent on?
Climate
Why is the speed of change in ecosystems occurring faster than before?
Greenhouse gases
What do nutrient cycles look like for immature vs. mature ecosystems, respectively?
Open and closed
What are two examples of disturbances associated with human needs
Urbanization and agriculture
What are all the stages of succession referred to as?
Seral stage
What is an edaphic climax ecosystem dependent on?
Soil characteristics
What is inertia?
Ability of an ecosystem to withstand change