Mt. St. Helens Quick Check

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What is a pioneering species?

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A hardy species that is the first to colonize a previously damaged ecosystem.

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How did pocket gophers help salamanders survive after the eruption?

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They created tunnels that provided shelter and access to resources.

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When did the main eruption of Mt. St. Helens occur?

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May 18, 1980.

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What caused low dissolved oxygen levels in Spirit Lake?

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Bacteria were consuming the oxygen in Spirit Lake.

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Where is Mt. St. Helens located?

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Washington state.

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What is an ecosystem?

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A community of living organisms and their physical environment interacting as a system.

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What is ecological succession?

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The process by which ecosystems change and develop over time.

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What role do bacteria play in an ecosystem?

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Bacteria decompose organic matter and recycle nutrients.

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What is the significance of the eruption of Mt. St. Helens?

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It provided a unique opportunity to study ecological recovery and succession.

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What is a volcanic eruption?

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The release of magma, ash, and gases from a volcano.