6.2 Succession

Natural disasters such as flooding and tornadoes are linked to ________________.

• primary

• secondary

• old field

• ecosystem

Answer explanation

Natural disasters such as flooding and tornadoes are linked to secondary factors. These factors are not the primary cause of the disasters, but they contribute to their occurrence. Secondary factors can include things like climate patterns, geographical features, and human activities. In the case of flooding, for example, secondary factors may include heavy rainfall, poor drainage systems, or deforestation. Understanding these secondary factors is crucial for predicting and mitigating the impact of natural disasters. By addressing these factors, we can work towards reducing the frequency and severity of such events.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

How do lichens contribute to primary succession?

• Lichens decompose organic matter from animals and plants

• Lichens begin to break down rock to form soil

• Lichens are nitrogen fixing bacteria

• Lichens convert carbohydrates into fossil fuels.

Answer explanation

Lichens contribute to primary succession by breaking down rock to form soil. This process helps create a suitable environment for other organisms to colonize and establish themselves. Lichens play a crucial role in the initial stages of ecosystem development, facilitating the growth of plants and other organisms. They do not decompose organic matter, fix nitrogen, or convert carbohydrates into fossil fuels. Lichens' ability to break down rock is essential for the formation of soil, which is vital for the establishment of a diverse and thriving ecosystem.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is formed during primary succession that doesn't need to be formed during secondary succession?

• pioneer species

• soil

• climax community

• lichens

Answer explanation

During primary succession, soil is formed that doesn't need to be formed during secondary succession. Soil is created by the weathering of rocks and the accumulation of organic matter over time. This process takes hundreds or thousands of years. In secondary succession, soil is already present, as it was formed during the previous community. Therefore, the formation of soil is a unique characteristic of primary succession.

What type of succession is shown going from figure A to figure B?

• primary succession

• eutrophication

• secondary succession

• intermediate

Answer explanation

The question asks about the type of succession shown from figure A to figure B. The correct answer is secondary succession. Secondary succession occurs when an ecosystem is disturbed or destroyed, but the soil remains intact. In this case, figure A represents the initial disturbance, and figure B shows the reestablishment of plant and animal life. The other options, primary succession, eutrophication, and intermediate, do not accurately describe the process shown in the figures.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

After a forest fire, an ecosystem would start regrowth through -

• primary succession

• secondary succession

• climax community

• limiting factors

Answer explanation

After a forest fire, the ecosystem would start regrowth through secondary succession. This process occurs when an existing ecosystem is disturbed or destroyed, allowing new plant and animal species to gradually colonize the area. Secondary succession is different from primary succession, which starts from bare rock or soil. In secondary succession, the soil and some plant life may still be present, providing a foundation for the regrowth. Secondary succession is an important natural process that helps ecosystems recover and restore their biodiversity.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

Which catastrophic event will most likely have the effect of returning an ecosystem to primary succession?

• A tornado

• A volcanic eruption

• A flood

• A drought

Answer explanation

A volcanic eruption is the catastrophic event that is most likely to have the effect of returning an ecosystem to primary succession. This is because volcanic eruptions can completely destroy existing ecosystems, leaving behind bare rock or ash. Over time, new plants and organisms can colonize these barren areas, starting the process of primary succession. Other options like a tornado, flood, or drought may cause damage to an ecosystem, but they are less likely to completely reset it to the early stages of succession.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

succession that occurs in an area with no soil

• ecological succession 

• primary succession 

• secondary succession

• pioneer speciles

Answer explanation

Primary succession is the ecological succession that occurs in an area with no soil. It is the process of colonization and establishment of plant and animal life in an area that was previously devoid of life. This type of succession starts from bare rock or barren land and gradually leads to the formation of a stable ecosystem. The other options, ecological succession, secondary succession, and pioneer species, do not specifically refer to the absence of soil. Therefore, primary succession is the correct choice for this question.

succession that occurs in an area where soil is already present

• ecological succession 

• primary succession 

• secondary succession

• pioneer speciles

Answer explanation

Secondary succession is the succession that occurs in an area where soil is already present. It is the process of ecological change in an ecosystem that follows a disturbance, such as a fire or flood. During secondary succession, new plant and animal species gradually replace the previous ones. This process helps to restore the ecosystem to its original state. The other options, ecological succession, primary succession, and pioneer species, do not accurately describe the specific type of succession that occurs in an area with existing soil.

starts with bare rock followed by lichen

• primary succession 

• secondary succession

• both types of succession

Answer explanation

Primary succession is the correct choice. The question asks about the process that starts with bare rock followed by lichen. Primary succession is the ecological process of colonizing barren land, such as bare rock, by pioneer species like lichen. It is the initial stage of succession and occurs in areas where no soil or organic matter exists. Secondary succession, on the other hand, occurs in areas where soil and organic matter are already present. Therefore, primary succession is the appropriate answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

this type of succession occurs after a forest fire

• primary succession

• secondary succession

• both

Answer explanation

Secondary succession occurs after a forest fire. It is a process where new plant and animal species gradually replace the previous ones. This type of succession is different from primary succession, which occurs in areas without any previous life. Secondary succession is a natural response to disturbances like fires, and it allows ecosystems to recover and regenerate over time. It plays a crucial role in restoring the balance and diversity of the affected area, promoting the growth of new vegetation and attracting different animal species.