Ecological Succession and Ecosystem Relationships Flashcardziz

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What is ecological succession?

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Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, involving a series of progressive changes in species composition and community structure.

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What are the two main types of ecological succession?

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The two main types of ecological succession are primary succession (starting from bare rock or lifeless areas) and secondary succession (following disturbances that leave the soil intact).

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What is primary succession?

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Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas where soil has not yet formed, such as after a volcanic eruption or glacier retreat.

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What is secondary succession?

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Secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed an existing community but left the soil intact, such as after a forest fire.

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What is a food chain?

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A food chain is a linear sequence that shows how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another in an ecosystem.

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What is a food web?

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A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains that illustrates how energy and nutrients circulate within an ecosystem.

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What do the arrows in a food chain or web represent?

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The arrows in a food chain or web represent the direction of energy flow between organisms.

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What is a community in ecological terms?

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A community is a group of different populations of organisms living and interacting in the same area.

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What is the difference between a biome and an ecosystem?

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A biome is a large geographic biotic unit characterized by specific climate conditions and plant communities, while an ecosystem is a smaller unit that includes living organisms and their physical environment.

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What is commensalism?

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Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.