Primary and Secondary Succession Flashcard

Front

What is primary succession?

Back

The process of ecological succession that occurs in an area that has never been colonized before.

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What are the primary factors that initiate secondary succession?

Back

Disturbances.

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What are the stages of primary succession?

Back

Pioneer species colonize, mosses and lichens break down rocks, grasses and small plants grow, shrubs and small trees establish, larger trees and diverse ecosystem develop.

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What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?

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Primary succession occurs in areas where no ecosystem existed before, while secondary succession occurs in areas where an ecosystem has been disturbed or destroyed.

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What is the role of pioneer species in primary succession?

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Pioneer species help initiate and facilitate the process of primary succession.

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What are pioneer species?

Back

Species that are the first to colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems.

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How does soil formation occur during primary succession?

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Soil formation occurs as pioneer species break down rocks and organic matter accumulates.

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What types of disturbances can lead to secondary succession?

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Disturbances such as fires, floods, hurricanes, or human activities like farming.

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What is a climax community?

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A stable and mature ecological community that has reached a final stage of succession.

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How does biodiversity change from primary to climax community?

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Biodiversity typically increases as succession progresses from primary to climax community.