Catastrophic events and succession review

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What is a catastrophic event?

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A catastrophic event is a significant and often sudden occurrence that causes widespread destruction or disruption, such as natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions.

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What is primary succession?

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Primary succession is the process of ecological change that occurs in an area where no soil exists, such as after a volcanic eruption or glacier retreat, leading to the formation of a new ecosystem.

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What is secondary succession?

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Secondary succession is the process of ecological change that occurs in an area where a disturbance has destroyed an existing ecosystem but left the soil intact, such as after a forest fire.

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What role do lichens play in primary succession?

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Lichens contribute to primary succession by breaking down rock to form soil, which allows other plants to grow.

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What are pioneer species?

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Pioneer species are the first organisms to colonize a barren environment in the process of succession, such as lichens and mosses.

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How does a volcanic eruption affect an ecosystem?

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A volcanic eruption can create new landforms and destroy existing ecosystems, leading to primary succession as new life begins to establish.

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What is the impact of tornadoes on ecosystems?

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Tornadoes can cause significant destruction to habitats, particularly affecting organisms that rely on trees for shelter.

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What is a climax community?

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A climax community is a stable and mature ecological community that has reached the final stage of succession, characterized by a diverse array of species.

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What are limiting factors in an ecosystem?

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Limiting factors are environmental conditions that restrict the growth, abundance, or distribution of organisms in an ecosystem, such as availability of water, nutrients, and sunlight.

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How do floods influence ecosystems?

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Floods can reshape landscapes, alter habitats, and lead to both destruction and regeneration of ecosystems, often initiating secondary succession.