5-3: How Ecosystems Change

What is the definition of ecological succession?

• Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, involving a series of progressive changes in species composition and community structure.

• Ecological succession is the sudden change in weather patterns over a short period.

• Ecological succession is the process of individual organisms adapting to their environment.

• Ecological succession is the random occurrence of natural disasters in an ecosystem.

Each new community makes it harder for the previous community to ______.

• adapt

• grow

• survive

• thrive

What is primary succession?

• The colonization of barren land by communities of organisms

• The process of one community replacing another over time

• The development of an ecosystem in an area that was previously uninhabited

• The gradual change in species composition in a given area

What is secondary succession?

• The process by which a community recovers after a disturbance.

• The initial colonization of a barren environment.

• The gradual change in species composition in an undisturbed ecosystem.

• The adaptation of species to a new habitat.

Why is primary succession much slower than secondary succession?

• Primary succession starts on bare rock or barren environments, while secondary succession starts in areas where soil is already present.

• Primary succession involves the establishment of a new biological community, while secondary succession involves the reestablishment of a community.

• Primary succession occurs in areas with no previous life, while secondary succession occurs in areas with previous life.

• Primary succession requires soil formation, while secondary succession does not.

What are the first species to colonize in primary succession?

• Lichens

• Mosses

• Grasses

• Shrubs

How does soil increase during primary succession?

• Through the accumulation of organic matter from decomposing pioneer species

• By the immediate presence of large plants

• Through the addition of synthetic fertilizers

• By the action of earthworms from the beginning

What is the importance of moss in primary succession?

• It helps in soil formation by breaking down rocks.

• It prevents soil erosion.

• It provides food for herbivores.

• It increases water retention in soil.

Where is primary succession seen in human dominated ecosystems?

• Abandoned urban areas

• Mature forests

• Agricultural fields

• Deserted beaches

How is secondary succession different from primary succession?

• Secondary succession occurs in areas where a community has previously existed, while primary succession occurs in lifeless areas.

• Secondary succession takes longer to reach a climax community compared to primary succession.

• Secondary succession does not involve pioneer species, whereas primary succession does.

• Secondary succession occurs in aquatic environments, while primary succession occurs on land.