Ecological Succession

Lava cools and hardens as it flows into the ocean in Hawaii. This creates new land where nothing previously existed. Which type of succession is described in the example?

• Primary Succession

• Secondary Succession

A forest fire completely burned hundreds of acres of land causing severe damage to plant life. Eventually this area will experience regrowth of plant life. Which type of succession is described in the example?

• Primary Succession

• Secondary Succession

A hurricane destroys a stable community. Small shrubs and trees begin to grow several years later. Which type of succession is described in the example?

• Primary Succession

• Secondary Succession

Newly formed coastal sand dunes being formed by the tide and wind. Pioneer plants eventually begin to colonize the sand dunes. Which type of succession is described in the example?

• Primary Succession

• Secondary Succession

The Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster of 1986 completely destroyed all life in the area and caused the soil to become infertile. It will take many years before the land is replaced with fertile soil. Which type of succession is described in the example?

• Primary Succession

• Secondary Succession

A glacier stripping away all plant life and soil all the way down to bedrock. It will be hundreds or thousands of years before the area regrows. Which type of succession is described in the example?

• Primary Succession

• Secondary Succession

A stable, mature community that has reached the final stage of ecological succession.

• Climax Community

• Ecological Succession

• Pioneer Species

• Primary Succession

A species that is first to establish itself in an area where nothing is growing.

• Climax Community

• Ecological Succession

• Pioneer Species

• Primary Succession

A series of events that occur after a disturbance in an existing ecosystem.

• Climax Community

• Ecological Succession

• Pioneer Species

• Secondary Succession

Consider the different types of ecosystems such as forests, deserts, and grasslands. Does the final stage of ecological succession (climax community) always look the same? Be detailed in your explanation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4