Ecological Succession

Which of these types of environments experiences the LEAST change in the total number and type of species

• An ecosystem with only pioneer species

• An ecosystem that is in a primary succession

• An ecosystem that is in a secondary succession

• An ecosystem with a climax community

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Which plant characteristics are common to pioneer species?

• Plants with roots that act as wedges to slowly break apart rocks

• Plants with long, thick roots that tap into deep water supplies

• Trees with exposed surface roots that trap soil and vegetation

• Plants with a broad mat of surface roots that quickly soaks up water

What is the relationship between ecological succession and equilibrium in an ecosystem?

• Ecological succession helps maintain equilibrium in an ecosystem

• Ecological succession prevents ecosystems form ever reaching equilibrium

• There is no relationship between ecological succession and equilibrium

• Ecological succession and equilibrium are the same thing

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

The diagram shows an ecosystem during different stages of ecological succession. In which order will these stages occur, from earliest to latest?

• 4, 2, 1, 3

• 1, 2, 3, 4

• 3, 1, 4, 2

• 4, 3, 2, 1

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Lava fro an underwater volcano piles up over many years. Eventually, the pile of lava sticks up above the ocean surface, forming a new island, it would be MOST helpful for a scientist to measure changes in:

• Average temperature

• Day length

• Annual precipitation

• Soil depth

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The figures below shows the same ecosystem in Texas at two different times. Which of the following MOST likely caused the change of species shown here?

• Development of a parking lot

• Passing through a glacier

• Preservation of a habitat

• Occurence of a forest fire

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

A non-native plant is introduced into a divers, mature ecosystem. Assuming that the non-native plant has no natural enemies and that it thrives in the ecosystem, how will it affect the community?

• The native species will become more like the new plant

• The number of native species will decrease

• The number of native species will not be affected at all

• The native species will become extinct

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

A non-native animal is introduced into a diverse, mature ecosystem in equilibrium. Assuming that the animal has no natural enemies and that it thrives in the ecosystem, how will it affect the community?

• Only the plants would be affected

• The entire ecosystem would be affected

• Only the animals would be affected

• There would be no effect

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of these types of environments is MOST likely to experience the arrival of a pioneer species?

• An old growth forest

• An undisturbed prairie

• Ann established mountain lake

• New formed volcanic island

Why does secondary succession occur faster than primary succession?

• Fewer changes must occur in secondary succession

• There are more pioneer species in secondary succession

• The environmental conditions are more extreme in primary succession

• There are many trophic levels in secondary succession