Ecological Succession Quiz

What is ecological succession?

• The evolution of ecosystems over geological time scales

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

• The migration of communities due to climate change

• The seasonal changes in a community

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

Which type of succession begins on bare rock after glaciers have melted or volcanoes have erupted?

• Primary succession

• Secondary succession

• Tertiary succession

• Quaternary succession

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What are pioneer species in the context of ecological succession?

• Species that are dominant throughout the succession process

• The first species to colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems

• Species that appear at the climax stage

• The largest species in a community

Which of the following is characteristic of secondary succession?

• It begins on bare soil after a forest fire.

• It starts on newly formed volcanic islands.

• It requires lichens and mosses to break down rock.

• It cannot occur after human disturbances.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which species is likely to be a pioneer species in primary succession?

• Deciduous trees

• Mosses and lichens

• Large mammals

• Amphibians

What is the climax community?

• The initial stage of succession

• The community that exists far from its source of origin

• The final, stable community in succession

• A community that experiences regular disturbances

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

How does secondary succession differ from primary succession?

• Secondary succession starts on bare rock.

• Secondary succession begins on soil that already has organic matter.

• Secondary succession is faster and involves different pioneer species than primary.

• Both B and C are correct.

What role do disturbances play in ecological succession?

• They prevent succession from occurring.

• They are necessary to initiate primary succession.

• They can create conditions that restart succession at an earlier stage.

• They have no impact on succession.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

Which factor is NOT typically involved in changing one stage of succession to another?

• Invasion of new species

• Changes in soil chemistry

• Climate change

• Human activity

Which of the following best describes the sequence of a typical primary succession?

• Lichens and mosses → Grasses → Shrubs → Trees

• Grasses → Lichens and mosses → Trees → Shrubs

• Shrubs → Grasses → Trees → Lichens and mosses

• Trees → Shrubs → Grasses → Lichens and mosses