U2L5 Succession

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What is succession?

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Succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, leading to a more stable community.

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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 glacial 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 ecosystem but soil and some organisms still remain.

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What are pioneer species?

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Pioneer species are the first organisms to colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems, such as lichen and moss.

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What role do pioneer species play in succession?

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Pioneer species help to create soil and conditions that allow other species to establish, facilitating the process of succession.

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What is an example of primary succession?

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An example of primary succession is the colonization of bare rock after a volcanic eruption.

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What is an example of secondary succession?

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An example of secondary succession is the regrowth of a forest after a wildfire.

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What factors can initiate succession?

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Factors that can initiate succession include natural disturbances (like fires or floods) and human activities (like deforestation or land development).

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What is ecological succession?

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Ecological succession is the gradual process of change and replacement in the species composition of a given area.

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What is the climax community?

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A climax community is a stable, mature ecological community that has reached a steady state after a series of successional stages.