Succession Basics
Primary vs. Secondary
Species Roles
Biodiversity & Stability
100

What is succession? 

The natural process by which ecosystems change and develop over time.)

100

Which type of succession starts with bare rock?

Primary succession)

100

What is a pioneer species?

The first organisms to colonize a barren environment.)

100

What does biodiversity mean?

The variety of living organisms in an area)

200

Name one abiotic factor that causes succession.

Fire, flood, volcano, 

200

Which type of succession happens after a forest fire?

Secondary succession

200

Name a pioneer species. 

Lichen or moss

200

Why is biodiversity important in an ecosystem?

It helps the system stay healthy and recover from changes.)

300

What increases over time during succession

Biodiversity

300

What makes secondary succession faster than primary?

oil is already present.)

300

What comes after pioneer species?

Grasses and small plants

300

 How does biodiversity help with stability? 

More species means more chances to survive disturbances.)

400

What do we call the final stable stage of succession?

Climax community)

400

List two similarities between primary and secondary succession.

Both involve changes in species over time and lead to a climax community.)

400

What is a climax community?

A stable group of plants and animals that is the end result of succession)

400

What happens if biodiversity decreases? 

The ecosystem becomes weaker and less stable.)

500

Why does succession happen more than once in nature?

Natural or human disturbances can restart the process

500

Give an example of each type in real life.

Primary - volcanic island; Secondary - after a hurricane)

500

Why can’t pioneer species survive in mature ecosystems?

New habitats form, allowing more species to live there.)

500

Give an example of how biodiversity helps ecosystems recover from change. 

A variety of plants regrow after fire, helping insects and animals return.)