Succession Basics
What is succession?
The natural process by which ecosystems change and develop over time.)
Which type of succession starts with bare rock?
Primary succession)
What is a pioneer species?
The first organisms to colonize a barren environment.)
What does biodiversity mean?
The variety of living organisms in an area)
Name one abiotic factor that causes succession.
Fire, flood, volcano,
Which type of succession happens after a forest fire?
Secondary succession
Name a pioneer species.
Lichen or moss
Why is biodiversity important in an ecosystem?
It helps the system stay healthy and recover from changes.)
What increases over time during succession
Biodiversity
What makes secondary succession faster than primary?
oil is already present.)
What comes after pioneer species?
Grasses and small plants
How does biodiversity help with stability?
More species means more chances to survive disturbances.)
What do we call the final stable stage of succession?
Climax community)
List two similarities between primary and secondary succession.
Both involve changes in species over time and lead to a climax community.)
What is a climax community?
A stable group of plants and animals that is the end result of succession)
What happens if biodiversity decreases?
The ecosystem becomes weaker and less stable.)
Why does succession happen more than once in nature?
Natural or human disturbances can restart the process
Give an example of each type in real life.
Primary - volcanic island; Secondary - after a hurricane)
Why can’t pioneer species survive in mature ecosystems?
New habitats form, allowing more species to live there.)
Give an example of how biodiversity helps ecosystems recover from change.
A variety of plants regrow after fire, helping insects and animals return.)