Ecological Succession

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What is ecological succession?

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The process in which a community changes through time, leading to the development of a stable ecosystem.

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What is primary succession?

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A type of ecological succession that occurs in an area that has never been colonized before, such as bare rock.

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What is secondary succession?

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A type of ecological succession that occurs in an area that has been disturbed but where soil and some organisms still exist.

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What role do lichens play in primary succession?

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Lichens help to break down rocks to create soil, making it possible for other plants to grow.

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What is an ecosystem?

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A community of different organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment.

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What are pioneer species?

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Species that are the first to colonize previously uninhabited land, initiating the process of ecological succession.

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What is biodiversity?

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The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of different species.

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What is a disturbance in an ecological context?

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An event that disrupts the structure of an ecosystem, such as a fire, flood, or human activity.

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What is ecological resilience?

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The ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances and return to its original state.

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How does secondary succession differ from primary succession?

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Secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has happened but soil and some organisms remain, while primary succession occurs in lifeless areas.