Ecological Succession Concepts

What is the process by which the types of living things in an ecosystem change over time after a disturbance?

• Evolution

• Ecological succession

• Natural selection

• Photosynthesis

Which of the following best describes primary succession?

• It occurs after a small disturbance like a fallen tree.

• It starts in a lifeless area with no soil, like bare rock.

• It begins in an area that has existing soil and some life.

• It involves only animal species colonizing a new habitat.

What type of organisms are often the first to colonize a barren area during primary succession?

• Large trees with deep roots

• Animals that hunt other animals

• Plants with wind-borne seeds or spores

• Complex vascular plants

What is the main difference between primary and secondary succession?

• Primary succession involves animals, while secondary succession involves plants.

• Secondary succession occurs after a smaller disturbance and leaves existing soil.

• Primary succession is a faster process than secondary succession.

• Secondary succession only happens in aquatic environments.

What did early ecologists believe about the final stage of ecological succession?

• A stable climax community with predictable species.

• A constantly changing mosaic of habitats.

• A community that always returns to its original state after any disturbance.

• A community where only the strongest species survive.

What does "stochasticity" mean in the context of ecological succession?

• The predictable pattern of species replacement.

• The element of unpredictable variability or randomness.

• The stability of a climax community.

• The complete absence of any change in an ecosystem.

According to the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis, what type of disturbance leads to the highest biodiversity in an ecosystem?

• Very small disturbances that don't change much.

• Very severe disturbances that wipe out most life.

• Intermediate disturbances that create new niches.

• No disturbances at all, allowing the ecosystem to remain stable.

What was a negative consequence of suppressing natural forest fires for a long time in places like Yellowstone National Park?

• Increased wood production for human use.

• A decrease in the overall size of the forest.

• Catastrophic fires that destroyed large areas.

• More stable and predictable forest ecosystems.