U4 L2 E4

What is ecological succession?

• The destruction of ecosystems

• The restoration of damaged communities or the creation of communities in previously uninhabited areas

• The process of deforestation

• The melting of glaciers

Which type of succession occurs on a bare rock surface?

• Tertiary succession

• Secondary succession

• Primary succession

• Climax succession

What are the first organisms to colonize an area in primary succession called?

• Climax species

• Secondary species

• Pioneer species

• Succession species

In primary succession, what do pioneer species such as mosses and lichens do?

• Create soil

• Form a climax community

• Consume other organisms

• Migrate to other areas

How does secondary succession differ from primary succession?

• It occurs on bare rock surfaces.

• It is slower and less efficient.

• Soil is already present in the ecosystem.

• Pioneer species are absent.

Why does biodiversity typically increase during succession?

• Due to human intervention

• Because of decreasing environmental stress

• As a result of the return of animals and the introduction of new plant populations

• Random fluctuations in the ecosystem

What accelerates the process of reaching the climax community stage in secondary succession?

• Increased human activity

• Presence of pioneer species

• The absence of soil

• The existing soil in the ecosystem

What is a reason for the ongoing nature of succession in ecosystems?

• Lack of environmental changes

• Small disturbances that restart the process

• Permanent establishment of climax communities

• Decreased biodiversity over time

What can restart the succession process even after the climax community is established?

• Removal of pioneer species

• Introduction of new organisms

• Large disturbances like volcanic eruptions

• Small disturbances like a falling tree

Which event is an example of a disturbance that could initiate secondary succession?

• Introducing new plant species

• A forest fire

• Plowing a field

• Constructing a new building