Ecological Succession

Open Ended

How do ecosystems change over time?

Open Ended

Based on the images of Mission Trails Regional Park, what evidence shows that ecosystems can recover after a disturbance like a fire?

Multiple Select

Select all the factors that can cause changes in an ecosystem over time.

• Climate changes

• Natural disasters

• Human activities

• Stable populations

Open Ended

How does an ecosystem change to another ecosystem?

Multiple Select

Which of the following are examples of how humans can cause sudden changes in an ecosystem?

• Clearing land for farming

• Introducing new species

• Pollution or oil spills

• Seasonal migration of birds

Multiple Choice

What is one way a sudden change can occur in an ecosystem?

• Gradual increase in plant growth

• Catastrophic events like volcanoes or hurricanes

• Seasonal changes in weather

• Migration of animals

Open Ended

Compare the Gulf of Mexico wetland before and after changes. What are two major differences in the ecosystem as a result of human activity?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is typically the first to colonize bare rock during primary succession?

• Grasses and perennials

• Shade-tolerant trees

• Lichens

• Shrubs

Open Ended

Explain the role of pioneer species in the process of primary succession and how they contribute to soil formation.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes secondary succession?

• The colonization of a previously uninhabited area by new species.

• The re-colonization of a previously occupied area after a disturbance.

• The process by which animals migrate to new habitats.

• The extinction of all species in an area.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are characteristics of a climax community?

• It consists of pioneer species only.

• It is a steady-state community of plants, animals, and fungi.

• It is the final phase of ecological succession.

• It is constantly disturbed and changing.

Open Ended

After today's lesson on ecological succession, what questions do you still have or what would you like to learn more about?