Nitrogen Cycle Practice Flashcard

Front

What is ecological succession?

Back

The process of ecological change in an ecosystem where one community is replaced by another over time.

Front

What is primary succession?

Back

The initial establishment of an ecosystem where none existed before, often starting with pioneer species like mosses and lichens.

Front

What is secondary succession?

Back

The recovery of an old ecosystem that was previously occupied by living organisms.

Front

What is commensalism?

Back

A relationship between two species where one benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Front

What is parasitism?

Back

A relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another.

Front

What is mutualism?

Back

A relationship where both species benefit from the interaction.

Front

Give an example of primary succession.

Back

Mosses and lichens growing on exposed rock.

Front

Give an example of secondary succession.

Back

A forest regrowing after a wildfire.

Front

What role do pioneer species play in succession?

Back

They are the first species to colonize previously uninhabited land, starting the process of ecological succession.

Front

How does ecological succession contribute to biodiversity?

Back

It allows for the gradual introduction of new species, leading to a more diverse ecosystem over time.