Ecological Succession Flashcard

Front

What does it mean for a living organism to have resilience?

Back

It is able to survive changes in its environment.

Front

What happens when a lack of water limits the growth of grass in an ecosystem?

Back

Certain herd populations may decrease due to the loss of grass.

Front

What is a limiting factor in an ecosystem?

Back

Anything that limits an organism’s ability to live in a particular environment.

Front

What is a climax community?

Back

A stable community that forms after primary or secondary succession with little or no change.

Front

What is an example of a disturbance that could trigger secondary succession?

Back

A forest fire that destroys vegetation but leaves the soil intact.

Front

What is ecological succession?

Back

The process by which ecosystems change and develop over time.

Front

What are pioneer species?

Back

The first species to colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems.

Front

What is primary succession?

Back

The development of an ecosystem in an area where no soil exists, such as after a volcanic eruption.

Front

What is secondary succession?

Back

The recovery of an ecosystem after a disturbance that does not destroy the soil.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

They break down dead organic material, returning nutrients to the soil.