Ecological Succession

The first species to appear in an area:

• discovering species

• pioneer species

• new species

• colonizing species

this type of succession happens after a fire, tornado or another catastrophic event:

• Primary Succession

• Secondary Succession

What is the main difference between primary and secondary ecological succession?

• Primary begins WITHOUT soil; Secondary begins WITH soil

• Primary is the first state and secondary is the second stage

• Primary builds plant community; secondary builds animal community.

• Primary begins WITH soil; Secondary begins WITHOUT soil

What is an example of an area that is likely to undergo primary succession?

• Glaciers melt and leave exposed rock

• Plants die from drought and decompose

• Land is bulldozed and soil remains

Which of the following is the correct order of ecological succession?

• grass - shrubs - lichens - trees

• lichens - shrubs - grasses - trees

• lichens - grasses - shrubs - trees

• grasses - lichens - shrubs - trees

All of the following contribute directly to soil formation EXCEPT

• lichens

• decomposition of organisms

• volcanic eruptions

• erosion of rock by weather

What type of succession is shown going from figure A to figure B?

• primary succession
• ecological succession
• secondary succession
• intermediate

What is the most important function of pioneer species?

• To create rocks
• To create soil and add nutrients to the environment 
• To look nice
• Food for animals 

Which is the correct order in primary succession?

• Rocks, Lichens & Mosses, Bushes & Shrubs, Trees
• Lichens & Mosses, Rocks, Trees, Bushes & Shrubs 
• Trees, Bushes and Shrubs, Lichens & Mosses, Lichens & Mosses
• Rocks, Grass, Trees, Bushes & Shrubs

Why does primary succession typically occur over a longer period of time (as compared to secondary succession)?

• Because trees do not perform respiration

• Because the climax community is usually a forest.

• Because primary succession already has soil

• Because primary succession does not begin with soil being present