Succession Quiz Review

Students are studying how catastrophic events impact ecosystems. Which of the following statements accurately describes how a flash flood will impact an ecosystem? Select TWO correct answers.

• The ecosystem will rebuild through a process known as primary succession when all life and soil is destroyed.

• Animals will either perish or be relocated to new habitats after a flash flood.

• Lichen will begin the process of creating soil by breaking down rock left over after a flash flood.

• The ecosystem will rebuild through a process known as secondary succession when minimal life and soil remain.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

During a field trip, Luna and Samuel observed a barren land where no previous soil existed. They learned that the process of succession that involves the breakdown of rocks to create nutrient-rich soil is called (a)   succession.

During a field trip, Ava and Nora observed a newly formed volcanic island. They noted various features as evidence of primary succession. Select TWO correct answers.

• tall trees

• barren rock

• soil already present

• lichen

• established shrubs

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

After a devastating flood hit the local park, how does secondary succession help restore the park's ecosystem to its original state?

• It increases the number and types of species in the park.

• It brings back species from extinction in the park area.

• It stops other floods from occurring in the park.

• It decreases the rate of evolution in the park's ecosystem.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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The diagrams above show 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

• 4, 3, 1, 2

• 2, 4, 3, 1

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NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of the following sequences MOST likely represents ecological succession on a recently abandoned farm?

• grasses

  -> flowering plants

  -> shrubs

  -> maple trees

• maple trees

  -> shrubs

  ->flowering plants

  ->grasses

• shrubs

  -> grasses

  ->maple trees

  ->flowering plants

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of the following would cause secondary succession to occur?

• passing through of a glacier

• preservation of habitat

• occurrence of a forest fire

• a parking lot

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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

• a newly formed volcanic island

• an established mountain lake

• an undisturbed prairie

• an old growth forest

Which question is most relevant to an ecosystem beginning primary succession? 

• Why is there no soil, grass, or shrubs present in the ecosystem? 

• Why are there so many kinds of animals living in the ecosystem? 

• What types of hardwood trees are growing in the ecosystem? 

• What caused the forest fire that destroyed the previous ecosystem? 

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Which organisms are common pioneer species?

• Conifer trees and tall grasses with roots that loosen the soil

• Mosses and lichens that can grow on rocky surfaces

• Grasses and weeds that arrive as seeds carried by the wind and then germinate in rich soil

• Vines and shrubs that help prevent the erosion of shallow soil