Dynamic and Resilient Ecosystems

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Primary Succession Noun

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[pry-mair-ee suk-sesh-un]

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Primary Succession

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The slow, predictable process of ecological change in an area where no soil or organisms previously existed.

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Example: This image shows a pioneer plant growing on bare volcanic rock, which is the first step of primary succession in a new, lifeless environment.

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Pioneer Species Noun

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[py-uh-neer spee-sheez]

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Pioneer Species

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The first hardy species, such as lichens and mosses, to colonize a barren environment during primary succession.

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Example: This image shows lichen, a type of pioneer species, growing on bare rock. Pioneer species are the first organisms to live in a new, empty environment.

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Weathering Noun

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[weth-er-ing]

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Weathering

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The physical and chemical breakdown of rock into smaller mineral particles, which is an essential step in soil formation.

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Example: This image shows biological weathering, where a tree's growing roots push into rock joints, slowly breaking the rock apart over time.

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Humus Noun

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[hyoo-mus]

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Humus

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The dark, organic component of soil that is formed from the decomposition of dead plants and animals by microorganisms.

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Example: This diagram shows that humus is the dark, uppermost layer of soil, located just beneath the grass and above the other soil layers.

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Decomposer Noun

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[dee-kum-poh-zer]

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Decomposer

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An organism, like bacteria or fungi, that breaks down dead organic matter, recycling essential nutrients back into the ecosystem.

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Example: Fungi, like these growing on a dead log, are decomposers that break down dead organic matter and return nutrients to the ecosystem.

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Nitrogen Fixation Noun

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[ny-truh-jen fik-say-shun]

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Nitrogen Fixation

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The chemical process by which certain organisms convert atmospheric nitrogen gas into a form usable by plants for growth.

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Example: This diagram shows bacteria in the soil turning nitrogen into a form that plants can absorb through their roots, which is called nitrogen fixation.

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Guano Noun

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[gwah-noh]

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Guano

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The accumulated droppings of seabirds or bats, which serve as a highly effective natural fertilizer rich in nutrients.

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Example: This image shows a colony of seabirds on a cliff. The white streaks covering the rocks are guano, the accumulated droppings from the birds.

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Facilitation Noun

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[fuh-sil-i-tay-shun]

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Facilitation

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A successional mechanism where early-arriving species alter the environment, making it more suitable for the establishment of later species.

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Example: Pioneer species like lichen grow on bare rock, breaking it down over time to create soil, which facilitates the growth of other plants.

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Tolerance Noun

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[tol-er-uhns]

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Tolerance

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A successional mechanism where later species are unaffected by early species, simply enduring conditions until they become more favorable.

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Example: This image shows children from diverse cultural backgrounds holding hands over a heart-shaped Earth, representing global unity and acceptance of differences.

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Inhibition Noun

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[in-hi-bish-un]

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Inhibition

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A successional mechanism where established species make the environment less suitable for the establishment or growth of new species.

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Example: The fast-growing kudzu vine is an invasive species that covers native trees and plants, inhibiting their growth by blocking access to sunlight.