Primary and Secondary Succession

Front

What is Primary Succession?

Back

A series of predictable changes that occur over time in an area where no ecosystem currently exists.

Front

What is Secondary Succession?

Back

A series of events that occur after a disturbance in an existing ecosystem.

Front

What is an example of Primary Succession?

Back

The formation of a new ecosystem on bare rock after a volcanic eruption.

Front

What is an example of Secondary Succession?

Back

The renewal of a forest after extreme logging.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Front

What role do pioneer species play in succession?

Back

Pioneer species, like lichens and mosses, are the first to colonize barren environments and help create soil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

Front

What is a disturbance in an ecosystem?

Back

A disturbance is an event that significantly alters the structure and function of an ecosystem, such as fire, flooding, or human activities.

Front

How does soil quality affect succession?

Back

Soil quality influences the types of plants that can grow, which in turn affects the entire ecosystem's development during succession.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Front

What is the order of plant growth in Secondary Succession?

Back

Typically, the order is: Grasses → Shrubs → Trees.

Front

What is the difference between Primary and Secondary Succession?

Back

Primary Succession occurs in lifeless areas, while Secondary Succession occurs in areas where an ecosystem has been disturbed but soil and organisms still exist.

Front

What are climax communities?

Back

Climax communities are stable, mature ecosystems that have reached a steady state after succession.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4