Ecological Succession Quiz

What is ecological succession?

• The process by which a barren land transforms into a thriving community of plants and animals

• The seasonal migration of animals

• The study of interactions between different species in an ecosystem

• The process by which soil fertility is naturally restored

Which of the following best describes the stages of ecological succession?

• Occurs randomly without any specific stages

• Involves a single stage of rapid plant growth

• Occurs in stages, each facilitating the growth of different species

• Is completed when pioneer species dominate the ecosystem

What are pioneer species in the context of ecological succession?

• The final species that dominate in a mature ecosystem

• Species that prefer barren environments without competition

• The first species to colonize barren lands, typically lichens and mosses

• Large trees that define the forest structure

What is the climax community in ecological succession?

• The initial stage of mosses and lichens

• The stage where only pioneer species exist

• A temporary arrangement of intermediate species

• The stable, mature phase of the ecosystem with large trees and diverse species

What is primary succession?

• The process where established ecosystems are replaced by new species

• The development of communities in a lifeless area that has no soil

• The seasonal migration of animals to different habitats

• The recycling of nutrients in a mature forest

What is secondary succession in ecology?

• The process where an ecosystem develops on new lands where soil is absent

• The process where an ecosystem regains balance after a disturbance that does not remove the soil

• The process where an ecosystem is destroyed completely by volcanic eruptions

• The process where an ecosystem is maintained without any disturbances

What usually initiates secondary succession?

• The introduction of invasive species

• The presence of seeds and root systems in the soil

• The complete removal of topsoil

• The planting of crops by humans

What happens to the ecosystem during secondary succession?

• It becomes permanently barren and unproductive

• It experiences a decrease in plant species diversity

• New plant species colonize the area and the ecosystem regains its balance

• It is taken over by aquatic life forms

What is a climax community in an ecosystem?

• The initial stage of species development

• A temporary disruption in the ecosystem

• A stable, balanced state with constant species types and numbers

• A rapidly changing ecological environment

At what stage of succession is a climax community found?

• Initial

• Middle

• Final

• Pre-successional