Ecological Succession Quiz

What are pioneer species? Why are they important in succession?

• They are the first species to colonize barren environments and initiate ecological succession.

• They are the last species to appear in a climax community.

• They are species that only appear in secondary succession.

• They are species that do not contribute to ecological succession.

Compare primary and secondary succession in terms of species, time frame, and disturbance.

• Primary succession occurs faster and involves more species than secondary succession.

• Secondary succession occurs on newly formed land, while primary succession occurs on disturbed land.

• Primary succession occurs on barren land with no soil, while secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed a community but left the soil intact.

• Both primary and secondary succession occur at the same rate and involve the same species.

What makes lichens a successful pioneer species?

• They require rich soil to grow.

• They can survive in harsh conditions and help create soil by breaking down rocks.

• They are the last species to appear in ecological succession.

• They only grow in well-established forests.

What is the order of organisms in a primary succession?

• Climax community, pioneer species, intermediate species

• Intermediate species, climax community, pioneer species

• Pioneer species, intermediate species, climax community

• Intermediate species, pioneer species, climax community

Which term describes a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance?

• Keystone species

• Invasive species

• Indicator species

• Endemic species

What is an invasive species?

• A species that is native to a specific location

• A species that has been introduced to an area where it is not native

• A species that indicates the health of an ecosystem

• A species that is at risk of extinction

What is an endemic species?

• A species found only in a specific geographic area

• A species that is widespread across the world

• A species that is at risk of extinction

• A species that has been introduced to a new area

Which term describes a species that naturally occurs in a particular region or environment?

• Native species

• Invasive species

• Endemic species

• Extinct species

Which term best describes the gopher tortoise in an ecosystem?

• Keystone species

• Invasive species

• Indicator species

• Endemic species

Which term best describes the burmese python in an ecosystem?

• Invasive species

• Keystone species

• Indicator species

• Endemic species