Ecological Succession Flashcard

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What is ecological succession?

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The process of one community replacing another as a result of changing abiotic and biotic factors.

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What is secondary succession?

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The succession that occurs when a community is disrupted by natural disasters or human actions.

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What is primary succession?

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Succession that begins in an area where no biotic community previously existed.

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Define ecological succession.

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The process by which the structure of a biological community evolves over time.

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What is primary succession?

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The establishment of a community in an area that does not have topsoil.

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What are pioneer species?

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Species that are the first to colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems.

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What is a climax community?

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

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What role do abiotic factors play in succession?

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Abiotic factors such as soil, climate, and water availability influence the types of communities that can develop.

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What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?

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Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas, while secondary succession occurs in areas where a community has been disturbed.

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What is a disturbance in ecological terms?

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An event that changes a community by removing organisms or altering resource availability.