Ecological Succession

Mr. Andersen explains ecological succession, a process where life returns after a disturbance. He divides it into primary succession, occurring on bare rock without soil, and secondary succession, where soil remains after a disturbance. Examples include lava flows and Mount St. Helens for primary succession, and forest fires in Yellowstone Park for secondary succession. Pioneer organisms play a crucial role in secondary succession. The video emphasizes the predictable nature of succession and the role of various species in the process.

What is ecological succession?

• A series of events by which life returns to an area

• A process where life disappears from an area

• A type of animal migration

• A method of planting trees

What characterizes primary succession?

• It occurs in areas with existing soil

• It involves the growth of large trees first

• It starts on bare rock with no soil

• It is faster than secondary succession

Which of the following is an example of primary succession?

• A garden being planted

• Plants growing on a lava flow

• A city being built

• A forest regrowing after a fire

What is secondary succession?

• A process that occurs when soil remains after a disturbance

• A process that involves only animal life

• A process that happens in the ocean

• A process that occurs on bare rock

Which organisms are typically the first to colonize an area during secondary succession?

• Tall trees

• Fish

• Large mammals

• Pioneer organisms

What role do pioneer organisms play in succession?

• They are the last to arrive in an ecosystem

• They are the first to colonize and prepare the area for other species

• They only grow in water

• They prevent other species from growing

What is the main difference between primary and secondary succession?

• Primary succession is faster than secondary

• Primary succession starts without soil, secondary starts with soil

• Primary succession involves soil, secondary does not

• Primary succession occurs in water, secondary on land