Ecological Succession Concepts

The video explains ecological succession, a process where communities change over time. It covers primary succession, which occurs in new habitats like lava flows or retreating glaciers, and secondary succession, which happens after disturbances like fires. The video highlights how pioneer species initiate colonization, making environments suitable for other species, and how communities may or may not return to their original state after disturbances.

What is the term used to describe the process of community changes over time in a habitat?

• Ecological succession

• Environmental adaptation

• Community stabilization

• Biological evolution

Which type of ecological succession begins with no life in a new habitat?

• Secondary succession

• Quaternary succession

• Primary succession

• Tertiary succession

What is an example of primary ecological succession?

• Forest regrowth after a fire

• Introduction of a new predator

• Repopulation after a disease outbreak

• New land formation from lava flows

What are pioneer species?

• Species that are resistant to environmental changes

• Species that dominate a mature ecosystem

• Species that first colonize a barren environment

• Species that are introduced by humans

How do pioneer species contribute to ecological succession?

• By preventing other species from colonizing

• By competing with existing species

• By making the environment less suitable for other species

• By altering the environment to support more diverse life

What is secondary ecological succession?

• The introduction of non-native species

• The stabilization of a mature ecosystem

• The process of community change after a disturbance

• The initial colonization of a new habitat

Which event is commonly associated with secondary succession?

• Lava flow

• Forest fire

• Volcanic eruption

• Glacier retreat

After a disaster, what might happen to the community structure?

• It becomes completely uninhabitable

• It always returns to its original state

• It never changes

• It may return to its original state or become different

What can cause changes in community dynamics besides dramatic events?

• Complete habitat destruction

• Introduction of a new species

• Permanent climate change

• Total extinction of all species

What is a potential outcome of introducing a new species to a community?

• Complete destruction of the habitat

• No impact on the existing community

• Changes in competition and predation dynamics

• Immediate extinction of native species