Ch. 3/4 Ecology

Front

What is ecological succession?

Back

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

Front

What are the two main types of ecological succession?

Back

Primary succession and secondary succession.

Front

What is primary succession?

Back

Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas where soil has not yet formed, such as after a volcanic eruption.

Front

What is secondary succession?

Back

Secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed an existing ecosystem but soil and some organisms still remain.

Front

What is a biome?

Back

A biome is a large geographic biotic unit, a major community of plants and animals with similar life forms and environmental conditions.

Front

What defines a desert biome?

Back

A desert biome is characterized by very low rainfall, extreme temperatures, and sparse vegetation.

Front

What is a niche in ecology?

Back

A niche is the ecological role and position a species has in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.

Front

What is a climax community?

Back

A climax community is a stable, mature community that undergoes little or no change in species over time.

Front

What are limiting factors in an ecosystem?

Back

Limiting factors are environmental conditions that restrict the growth, abundance, or distribution of an organism or a population.

Front

What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers, such as plants, convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.