Succession

What is the process depicted in the image that shows the gradual development of an ecosystem over time?

• Evolution

• Ecological Succession

• Climax Community

• Biodiversity

What is ecological succession?

• The rapid change in a species of a given area with respect to the changing environment.

• The steady and gradual change in a species of a given area with respect to a changing environment.

• The process by which a community acquires a fixed number of species.

• The seasonal migration of species from one area to another.

What can cause changes in an ecosystem?

• Urban development

• Natural disasters

• Pollution

• All of the above

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which of the following is an example of an area where primary succession could occur?

• A) A mature forest

• B) A desert oasis

• C) An island formed from a volcano

• D) A well-established grassland

Primary succession starts with:

• A) No soil and no life

• B) No soil but some life

• C) Rich soil and abundant life

• D) Poor soil but some life

What type of trees form the climax community in Virginia's primary succession?

• Pine/Maple

• Birch/Willow

• Oak/Hickory

• Palm/Banana

Approximately how long does it take to reach a climax community in primary succession?

• 10 years

• hundreds (100s) of years

• 50-60 years

• 1 year

What is the role of pioneer species?

• they are first to colonize bare rocks and produce soil

• they are what form a climax community

• they help discover new species

• they help decompose dead plant material

Which species are considered pioneer species in the primary succession?

• Grasses and perennials

• Lichens and moss

• Grasses, shrubs, and shade-intolerant trees such as pines

• Shade-tolerant trees such as oak and hickory

Which of the following is characteristic of a climax community in primary succession?

• Small annual plants and lichens

• Bare rock

• Shade-tolerant trees such as oak and hickory

• Grasses and perennials