IB ESS Topic 2 (General Review)

Front

What type of succession occurs after a disturbance that leaves the soil intact?

Back

Secondary succession is the type of ecological succession that occurs in an area where a disturbance has destroyed a community but left the soil intact.

Front

What are abiotic factors in an ecosystem?

Back

Abiotic factors are the non-living components of an ecosystem, including elements like water, sunlight, oxygen, temperature, and minerals.

Front

What process removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert carbon dioxide and sunlight into glucose and oxygen.

Front

What is a Climax Community?

Back

A Climax Community is a stable and mature ecological community that undergoes little or no change in species composition over time.

Front

What are the stages of aquatic succession?

Back

The stages of aquatic succession typically include: Water only > small plants and animals > sediment builds > pond fills with soil.

Front

What is primary succession?

Back

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.

Front

What is the role of pioneer species in succession?

Back

Pioneer species are the first organisms to colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems, paving the way for other species.

Front

What is eutrophication?

Back

Eutrophication is the process by which water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen.

Front

What are biotic factors in an ecosystem?

Back

Biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.

Front

How do human activities impact carbon cycles?

Back

Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, increase carbon emissions, disrupting the natural carbon cycle.