1.16 Grade 8 Science — Ecological Succession DOL

Which of the stages in the diagram consists of plant species that modify the environment, eventually making it more suitable for another community?

• grass stage, only

• grass, shrub, and pine forest stages

• shrub, pine forest, and hardwood forest stages

• hardwood forest stage, only

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

Which pair of scenarios correctly identifies examples or characteristics of primary and secondary succession?

• Primary succession occurs in an area where trees are abundant. Secondary succession occurs after a fire disrupts an ecosystem, and the ecosystem is overtaken by new species.

• Primary succession commonly includes lichens and mosses as pioneer species. Secondary succession occurs when an ecosystem starts on bare rock, where no other species have lived.

• Primary succession may occur in an ecosystem destroyed by a hurricane. Secondary succession occurs when new sand dunes are formed.

• Primary succession can include the process of lava cooling to form rock, which is then broken down to form soil in which plants can grow. Secondary succession occurs on land that was once cleared for farming.

The diagram shows an ecological succession in an area after a volcanic eruption, progressing through five stages from bare rock to forests. During this time, heavy rain fell frequently, rushing water over the land. Which organism played the biggest role in keeping fertile soil from washing away during the early years of succession?

• Grasses

• Mosses and lichens

• Softwood trees

• Hardwood trees

A devastating landslide occurs on a secluded mountain and destroys all of the soil and wildlife, leaving only bare rocks. Read the list of events, then order them from the first event to the final event based on how succession could occur after the landslide. 1. A variety of vegetation grows. 2. The ecosystem is restored. 3. Lichens die and form healthy soil. 4. Lichens colonize bare rock. 5. Wildlife arrives and repopulates the area.

• 1, 3, 4, 5, 2

• 4, 2, 1, 5, 3

• 4, 3, 1, 5, 2

• 3, 1, 5, 4, 2

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Determine whether the event is a primary or secondary succession example: An area is flooded after a hurricane.

• Primary succession

• Secondary succession

Determine whether the event is a primary or secondary succession example: New sand deposits on a lakeshore.

• Primary succession

• Secondary succession

Determine whether the event is a primary or secondary succession example: Trees and shrubs die after a viral infection.

• Primary succession

• Secondary succession

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Determine whether the event is a primary or secondary succession example: A retreating glacier scrapes a cliffside.

• Primary succession

• Secondary succession

Determine whether the event is a primary or secondary succession example: Humans abandon a stone statue park.

• Primary succession

• Secondary succession

Determine whether the event is a primary or secondary succession example: Abandoned farmland.

• Primary succession

• Secondary succession