Ecological Succession - Edusmart Quiz

Ecological succession can be described as

• A change in weather

• The dominant species in one particular area

• A gradual change in plant and animal life in an ecosystem over time

• Species that survive best when there is little or no competition in an area

What is one way secondary succession differs from primary succession?

• Secondary succession is typically quicker than primary succession

• Secondary succession is typically slower than primary succession

• Secondary succession only occurs in mountains, primary succession only occurs in wetlands

• Secondary succession is the gradual change in plant species, while primary succession is the gradual change in animal species

A community of moss and lichens growing on an outcrop of a rock is an example of

• A behavioral adaptation

• A climax community

• Primary succession

• Secondary succession

Which diagram best represents a climax community?

• Picture A

• Picture B

• Picture C

• Picture D

Which of the following represents secondary succession?

• Moss growing on top of rocks

• Plants growing in a forest that was destroyed by fire

• Plants growing on sand dunes

• Plants growing on a new volcanic island that formed in the ocean

The graph below shows how the number of species in a particular ecosystem changed over a 200 year period. What is one conclusion you can make based on the information in the graph?

• The number of species increased the most during the first 50 years

• The number of species decreased by 25,0000 over a period of 200 years

• The number of species decresed the most durin gthe last 80 years

• The number of species increased by 25,000 over a period of 200 years.

Which statement about pioneer species is TRUE?

• Pioneer species require soil to grow

• Pioneer species are organisms made up of only one cell

• Pioneer species thrive during the early stages of ecological succession

• Pioneer species, such as hardwood trees, thrive during the final stages of ecological succession

As ecological succession progresses, a pioneer community gradually changes into a climax community. What typically happens during this process?

• The number of species increases

• The number of species decreases

• The organisms in an area decrease in size

• The organisms in an area can no longer find food

The process of ecological succession usually begins after all of the following EXCEPT:

• Flooding

• Forest Fire

• Rain Showers

• Volcanic eruptions

An empty lot that was only covered in dirt ten years ago is now home to many different species of plants and animals. Based on your knowledge about ecological succession, what can you infer?

• People must have planted all the plants in the empty lot

• There are more rocks in the soil compared to 10 years ago

• There are more nutrients in the soil compared to ten years ago

• The animals will not survive because there is not enough plants.