Ecological Succession

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What is ecological succession?

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The gradual change in species structure of a community.

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What are pioneer species?

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Species that first colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems.

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What is primary succession?

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The process of colonization of land where there were no living things previously.

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What is secondary succession?

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The process of regrowth in an area where a disturbance has occurred but soil and some organisms still exist.

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What are keystone species?

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Species that have a large effect on community structure.

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What are climax communities?

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Stable and mature ecological communities that have reached a steady state.

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What is an example of a pioneer species?

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Lichens and annual plants.

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What is the role of intermediate species in succession?

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They help transition the ecosystem from pioneer species to climax community.

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What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?

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Primary succession occurs on bare rock or soil without life, while secondary succession occurs in areas where life has been previously established.

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What factors can trigger ecological succession?

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Natural disasters, human activities, and changes in environmental conditions.