Ecological Succession - AP Environmental Science
- How does biodiversity change during succession?
- Biodiversity generally increases as succession progresses. More species can establish as environmental conditions improve.
- What is the impact of succession on nutrient cycling?
- Succession enhances nutrient cycling as ecosystems mature. Mature ecosystems develop more efficient nutrient retention and cycling.
- What is the role of fire in succession?
- Fire can reset succession, clearing space for new growth. Fire removes vegetation, creating opportunities for new species colonization.
- What is the main difference between primary and secondary succession?
- Primary starts without soil; secondary starts with existing soil. Soil presence determines which succession pathway occurs.
- What is the outcome of successful succession?
- A stable and diverse climax community. Successful succession results in maximum stability and species diversity.
- How do grasses influence succession?
- They stabilize soil and provide habitat for insects and small mammals. Grasses create favorable conditions for shrubs and trees to establish.
- Which community is more resilient, early or late successional?
- Late successional communities are more resilient. Mature communities have more species interactions and stability mechanisms.
- What is the impact of invasive species on succession?
- They can disrupt or alter successional pathways. Non-native species can dominate and prevent native species establishment.
- What defines secondary succession?
- Succession occurring in areas where soil remains after a disturbance. Existing soil allows faster reestablishment of plant communities.
- Which succession is faster, primary or secondary?
- Secondary succession. Existing soil allows plants to establish more quickly than on bare rock.
- What is a sere in ecological succession?
- A stage in the sequence of events in ecological succession. Each sere represents a distinct phase in community development.
- Identify a factor that can slow succession.
- Invasive species. Non-native species can outcompete native successional species.
- What is autogenic succession?
- Succession driven by the organisms themselves, changing the environment. Organisms modify their environment, facilitating new species establishment.
- What defines primary succession?
- Succession occurring on surfaces where no soil exists. This type starts from scratch with no existing soil foundation.
- What is the significance of soil in succession?
- Soil provides nutrients and a medium for plant growth. Soil development is essential for supporting diverse plant communities.
- What characterizes the early stages of succession?
- Dominance by pioneer species. Pioneer species are adapted to harsh, unstable conditions.
- How does human activity impact succession?
- It can alter or halt natural successional processes. Human activities often interrupt or redirect natural succession.
- What is the impact of succession on ecosystem productivity?
- Productivity often increases as ecosystems mature. More biomass and photosynthesis occur as communities develop structure.
- Identify a disturbance that leads to primary succession.
- Volcanic eruption. Volcanic activity destroys all life and soil, requiring primary succession.
- What is allogenic succession?
- Succession driven by external environmental factors. External forces like climate or geology drive community changes.
- What causes secondary succession?
- Disturbances like fire, floods, or human activities that do not destroy soil. These disturbances leave soil intact, allowing faster recovery.
- What is the initial stage of primary succession?
- Colonization by pioneer species like lichens on bare rock. Pioneer colonization is the first step in primary succession.
- Identify a disturbance that leads to secondary succession.
- Forest fire. Fire typically leaves soil intact, enabling secondary succession.
- What is the role of decomposers in succession?
- Decomposers break down organic matter, enriching the soil. Decomposition adds essential nutrients for plant growth and soil development.
- Which type of succession begins on bare rock?
- Primary succession. Bare rock lacks soil, requiring the slower primary succession process.
- What is a pioneer species?
- The first species to colonize barren environments in primary succession. These hardy organisms can survive harsh conditions without soil.
- What is ecological succession?
- The process of change in species structure of an ecological community over time. This describes the natural progression from simple to complex communities.
- Identify a common pioneer species in primary succession.
- Lichens. Lichens are hardy symbiotic organisms that can colonize bare rock.
- What is a climax community?
- A stable, mature community that undergoes little or no change in species. This represents the endpoint of succession with stable species composition.
- What is the role of mosses in succession?
- Mosses help retain moisture and further soil development. Mosses create favorable microclimates for other plant establishment.
- What is the role of herbaceous plants in succession?
- They stabilize soil and provide habitat for other species. Herbaceous plants improve soil structure and create microhabitats.
- Identify the two main types of ecological succession.
- Primary succession and secondary succession. These are distinguished by the presence or absence of existing soil.
- What is an intermediate species?
- Species that appear after pioneer species but before climax communities. These transitional species prepare the environment for climax communities.
- What role do lichens play in succession?
- They help break down rock to form soil. Lichens secrete acids that chemically weather rock into soil particles.
- How do animals contribute to ecological succession?
- They disperse seeds and influence plant community structure. Animals facilitate pollination, seed dispersal, and habitat modification.
- What characterizes the later stages of succession?
- Dominance by climax species. Climax species thrive in stable, resource-rich environments.
- What is xerarch succession?
- Succession occurring in dry areas. This type begins in terrestrial environments with limited water.
- What is a seral community?
- A temporary community in the successional sequence. Seral communities are unstable and transitional by nature.
- What is hydrarch succession?
- Succession occurring in wet areas. This type begins in aquatic or very moist terrestrial environments.