Ecological Succession and Diversity Quiz

What is primary ecological succession?

• The gradual replacement of one community by another in an ecosystem

• The establishment of a community in an area of bare rock or sand, where no soil exists

• The recovery of an ecosystem after a disturbance

• The introduction of invasive species into an ecosystem

Which of the following is an example of secondary succession?

• Lichens growing on bare rock

• A forest regrowing after a wildfire

• Mosses colonizing a new volcanic island

• Algae forming on a new pond

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How does primary succession affect species diversity over time?

• It decreases species diversity as the ecosystem matures

• It has no effect on species diversity

• It increases species diversity as new species colonize the area

• It initially decreases, then increases species diversity

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Explain how secondary succession can lead to changes in population sizes within an ecosystem.

• Secondary succession leads to a decrease in population sizes due to competition

• Secondary succession stabilizes population sizes by maintaining the status quo

• Secondary succession can increase population sizes as resources become available again

• Secondary succession has no impact on population sizes

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Why might primary succession take longer to reach a climax community compared to secondary succession?

• Primary succession starts with soil already in place

• Primary succession involves the breakdown of rock to form soil, which takes time

• Primary succession occurs in areas with abundant resources

• Primary succession is faster due to fewer species involved

Describe a scenario where human activity might lead to secondary succession.

• A volcanic eruption creating new land

• A forest being cleared for agriculture and then abandoned

• A glacier retreating and exposing bare rock

• A new island forming from a coral reef

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What role do pioneer species play in primary succession?

• They are the final species to colonize an area

• They modify the environment, making it more suitable for other species

• They compete with climax species for resources

• They decrease biodiversity by dominating the ecosystem

How might a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, impact an ecosystem and lead to secondary succession?

• It creates new land for primary succession

• It removes existing vegetation, allowing new species to colonize

• It has no impact on the ecosystem

• It prevents any form of succession from occurring

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Compare the initial stages of primary and secondary succession in terms of soil presence.

• Both start with no soil present

• Primary succession starts with soil, while secondary does not

• Secondary succession starts with soil, while primary does not

• Both start with soil present

What is a climax community, and how is it related to ecological succession?

• A community that is constantly changing and never stable

• The first community to colonize an area during succession

• A stable community that marks the end of succession

• A community that is disrupted by human activity