Evaluate 8.12.B Ecological Succession

What is the first level of ecological organization mentioned?

• Community

• Ecosystem

• Population

• Living organism

Which species is mentioned as a pioneer in primary succession?

• Ferns

• Moss

• Lichen

• Grasses

What event can trigger secondary succession?

• Glacier movement

• Forest fire

• Meteor strike

• Volcano eruption

Why does biodiversity increase over time in ecological succession?

• Because of human intervention

• Due to climate change

• Through the sequence of species replacement

• As a result of pollution reduction

How do lichens contribute to primary succession?

• Lichens decompose organic matter from animals and plants
• Lichens begin to break down rock to form soil
• Lichens are nitrogen fixing bacteria
• Lichens convert carbohydrates into fossil fuels.

Match the following

• Climax community

• An environment growing back from bare soil

• Secondary succession

• The first species to grow back (mosses and lichen)

• Pioneer species

• A fully grown, healthy environment

• Intermediate species

• An environment growing back from bare rock

• Primary succession

• The species that grow back after pioneer species (grasses and shrubs)

If farmers use a controlled burn to prevent forest fires, what would most likely be the first plants to return?

• trees

• shrubs

• mosses

• grasses

What is the order of succession shown?

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Reorder the pictures for secondary succession.

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Sort the examples of events that can start ecological succession.

Groups:

(a) Primary Succession

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(b) Secondary Succession

• Starts with soil

• Volcanic island formation
• Pioneer species colonization
• Post-glacial retreat

• Wildfire

• Logging
• Bare rock exposure
• Flood
• Agricultural abandonment
• Landslide exposing new rock

• Hurricane
• Drought