Front

Where might succession occur in the ocean?

Back

in a coral reef

Front

Why does secondary succession take less time than primary succession?

Back

Secondary succession starts with soil instead of bare rock.

Front

How is primary succession different from secondary succession?

Back

Primary succession begins with bare rock, worn down and colonized by pioneer species. Secondary succession begins with established soil in which many different plants can grow.

Front

Why are pioneer species so important for primary succession?

Back

Pioneer species, such as mosses and lichens, can break down rock into smaller pieces. When they die, their remains mix with tiny pieces of rock to form a thin layer of soil. They change the ecosystem in ways that enable the support of more diverse species

Front

Infer: Does the process of primary succession take longer in tropical or arctic areas? Explain.

Back

Primary succession takes longer in arctic areas because rock is covered with snow part of the year, the growing season is shorter, and cold temperatures slow growth and decomposition. Soil takes much longer to form in arctic areas.

Front

Predict : During succession, what might become the limiting factor for sun-loving mosses as taller plants begin to grow?

Back

the amount of sunlight that reaches them