8F: Ecosystem Changes: Succession Quiz

What is the primary difference between primary and secondary succession?

• Primary succession occurs in areas with existing soil, while secondary succession starts on bare rock.

• Primary succession starts on bare rock, while secondary succession occurs in areas with existing soil.

• Primary succession involves only animal species, while secondary succession involves only plant species.

• Primary succession is faster than secondary succession.

During secondary succession, which of the following processes typically occurs first?

• Growth of mature trees

• Establishment of herbaceous plants

• Soil erosion

• Arrival of pioneer species

In primary succession, what role do lichens play in the ecosystem?

• They decompose organic matter.

• They fix nitrogen in the soil.

• They break down rock to form soil.

• They provide shade for other plants.

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

• High biodiversity and stability

• Rapid growth and change

• Dominance of pioneer species

• Absence of animal life

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

What is the main factor that distinguishes secondary succession from primary succession?

• Presence of water

• Presence of soil

• Presence of sunlight

• Presence of animals

Which of the following best describes the role of fire in secondary succession?

• It prevents any form of succession from occurring.

• It initiates the process by clearing out existing vegetation.

• It only affects animal populations, not plants.

• It accelerates the growth of mature trees.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

In the context of succession, what is meant by the term "pioneer species"?

• Species that are the last to colonize an area

• Species that are the first to colonize a barren environment

• Species that dominate the climax community

• Species that are only found in aquatic environments

How does drought impact the process of secondary succession?

• It speeds up the growth of pioneer species.

• It slows down the recovery of plant communities.

• It has no effect on secondary succession.

• It only affects animal populations.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which of the following is a typical sequence of events in primary succession?

• Soil formation, pioneer species, climax community

• Climax community, pioneer species, soil formation

• Pioneer species, climax community, soil formation

• Climax community, soil formation, pioneer species