Ecological succession

As one goes up (↑) the energy pyramid, the total amount of energy at each trophic level---

• increases

• decreases

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

____________________ succession occurs where plants have NOT previously existed.

• primary

• secondary

Several years after some ground was cleared, grasses began to grow in an area. After 10 years, small bushes replaced the grasses. This pattern of plant growth is known as

• cover cropping

• evolution

• ecological succession

• biological control

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Which organisms would most likely be the pioneer organisms on a newly formed volcanic island?

• Conifers

• Lichens

• Deciduous trees

• Tall grasses

Starting on bare rock, what is the usual ecological succession of organisms?

• lichens 🡪 grasses 🡪 shrubs 🡪 trees

• lichens 🡪 shrubs 🡪 grasses 🡪 trees

• grasses 🡪 shrubs 🡪 lichens 🡪 trees

• shrubs 🡪 grasses 🡪 lichens 🡪 trees

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is a major limiting biotic factor for animal succession in each stage?

• plant species

• sunlight

• soil minerals

• moisture

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

In a pond, which change would most likely lead to terrestrial succession?

• a decrease in the number of suspended particles in the pond water

• an increase in current velocity of the pond water

• an increase in sediment, fallen leaves, and tree limbs accumulating on the bottom of the pond

• a decrease in the number of diverse organisms in the shallow water of the pond

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which statement concerning the climax stage of an ecological succession is correct?

• It is the first community to inhabit an area.

• It consists entirely of plants.

• It persists until the environment changes.

• It changes rapidly.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

For 25 years, hay was cut from the same 10 acres on a farm. During these years, shrews, grasshoppers, spiders, rabbits, and mice were seen in this hayfield. After the farmer retired, he no longer cut the hay and the field was left unattended. What will most likely occur in the former hayfield over the next few decades?

• The plant species will change, but the animal species will remain the same.

• The animal species will change, but the plant species will remain the same.

• Neither the plant species nor the animal species will change.

• Both the plant species and the animal species will change

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Although three different bird species all inhabit the same type of tree in an area, competition between the birds rarely occurs. The most likely explanation for this lack of competition is that these birds

• share food with each other

• have different ecological niches

• have a limited supply of food

• are unable to interbreed

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2