Ecological Succession Quiz

What is ecological succession?

• The process of one community replacing another as a result of changing abiotic and biotic factors

• The destruction of a habitat due to natural disasters

• The introduction of new species into an existing ecosystem

• The removal of all living organisms from an area

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What is primary succession?

• The initial establishment of a community in an area with existing soil

• The recovery of an ecosystem after a disturbance such as fire or flood

• The establishment of a community in an area that does not have topsoil

• The process by which pioneer species are replaced by intermediate species

Which organisms are among the first to appear during primary succession?

• Small weedy plants

• Intermediate species

• Lichens and some mosses

• Mature trees and shrubs

What role do pioneer species play in primary succession?

• They prevent soil erosion by establishing a root system

• They secrete acids that help break down rocks to form soil

• They are the final species to appear in a climax community

• They are responsible for the introduction of animals to the ecosystem

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What is a climax community?

• A community that changes rapidly with a high number of species

• A community that is disturbed by natural events like fire or flood

• A stable, mature community with little change in the number of species

• The initial stage of an ecosystem with pioneer species

How does secondary succession differ from primary succession?

• Secondary succession occurs without soil, while primary succession requires soil

• Secondary succession is unpredictable, while primary succession is orderly

• Secondary succession begins in an area where soil remains, while primary succession starts without soil

• Secondary succession involves only animal species, while primary succession involves only plant species

What are two things mentioned in the reading that can happen that might affect an ecosystem?

• Climate change and pollution

• Natural disasters and invasive species

• Urban development and deforestation

• Overfishing and acid rain

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Define ecological succession.

• The process by which the structure of a biological community evolves over time

• The conservation efforts to protect endangered species

• The study of interactions between organisms and their environment

• The cycle of matter and energy through the living and nonliving components of ecosystems

What is primary succession?

• Succession that begins in an area where no biotic community previously existed

• The replacement of one community by another at a single location over a period of time

• Succession that occurs on surfaces where an ecosystem has previously existed

• The final stage of succession, remaining relatively unchanged until destroyed by an event such as fire or human interference

Describe an example of primary succession.

• A forest developing on a newly formed volcanic island

• A garden growing in an abandoned urban lot

• A new community developing after a forest fire

• Grasses growing on a sand dune that was previously occupied by shrubs

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