Ecological Succession

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

• An ecosystem with only pioneer speces

• An ecosystem that is in primary succession

• An ecosystem that is in secondary succession

• An ecosystem with a climax community

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 board mat of surface roots that quickly soaks up water

A hurricane hits a coastal prairie and destroys the habitat. Years later, there is an appearance of small plants with rapidly spreading roots on newly formed coastal sand dunes. This vegetations describes -

• a microhabitat

• primary succession

• secondary succession

• biodiversity

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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

• Ecological succession helps maintain equilibrium in an ecosystem

• Ecological succession prevents ecosystems from 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

• 2, 4, 3, 1

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

Some ranchers use controlled fires to rid their grazing lands of unwanted plants. These ranchers keep their land in early stages of succession and in a state of equilibrium that is best for their livestock. Which of these kids of plants would MOST LIKELY be some of the first plants found growing in a pasture after a fire?

• trees

• grasses

• ferns

• mosses

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

The figure shows the same ecosystem in Texas at two different times. Which of the following MOST likely cause the change of species shown in the image?

• development of a parking lot

• passing through of a glacier

• preservation of a habitat

• occurrence of a forest fire

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Lava from an underwater volcano piles up over many years. Eventually, the pile of lava sticks up above the ocean surface, forming a new island. To show that succession is occurring on the island, it would be MOST helpful for a scientist to measure changes in -

• average temperature

• day length

• annual precipitation

• soil depth

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

A non-native plant is introduced into a diverse, mature ecosystem in equilibrium. 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-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

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

• an old growth forest

• an undisturbed prairie

• an established mountain lake

• a newly formed volcanic island