D: Biology = Changes in Living Systems 2.1 Primary Succession Flashcards
(54 cards)
What is primary succession?
The process of changing an environment from an area of bare rock and few species to a complex community
Primary succession involves the gradual replacement of species and the development of a more complex ecosystem over time.
What happens when molten rock reaches the surface?
It is called lava
Molten rock can rise through cracks in the Earth’s outer crust and emerges as lava when it reaches the surface.
What is the temperature range of molten rock?
Between 800°C and 1000°C
This high temperature allows lava flows to destroy nearly everything in their path.
What happens when lava encounters a body of water?
The water may start to boil suddenly, resulting in an explosive splatter of extremely hot material
The rapid heating of water by lava can create dangerous explosive reactions.
What are the names of the two active volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park?
Mauna Loa and Kilauea
These volcanoes regularly erupt and are popular tourist destinations in Hawaii.
How does the lava flow in Volcanoes National Park?
The eruptions are rarely violent, and the lava produced flows slowly
This slow flow allows tourists to safely approach the lava.
What occurs when molten rock reaches the Pacific Ocean shore?
It transfers its thermal energy upon contacting the water, producing steam and new rock
This process contributes to the growth of Hawaii’s Big Island.
What is formed from solidified lava?
New rock
Solidified lava creates new landforms that can support life.
How are seeds and spores introduced to new rock formed from lava?
Carried by wind, insects, or on the feet and bodies of birds
These organisms facilitate the process of primary succession by germinating on new substrates.
Fill in the blank: The continual eruption of these volcanoes causes Hawaii’s Big Island to get ______.
bigger
The addition of new rock from lava flows contributes to the island’s expansion.
True or False: Primary succession can begin with the germination of seeds and spores on new rock.
True
The arrival of plant life is a key indicator of primary succession starting.
What is primary succession?
Primary succession occurs in places where soil has been removed or where it never existed
Examples include bare land such as cooled lava, sand dunes, and mountain slopes.
Why is primary succession a slow process?
Few plants can grow on bare rock without soil, little water, or protection from the sun and wind.
What are pioneer species?
Pioneer species are tough plants that first invade or colonize new territory
Examples include lichens and ferns.
Give examples of pioneer species.
- Lichens
- Ferns
- Mosses
- Some bacteria
What role do pioneer species play in succession?
They change the original habitat, paving the way for more complex organisms.
How do bacteria and lichens contribute to soil formation?
They produce acids that break down rock, releasing minerals and trapping water.
What is humus?
Humus is the organic component of soil created from the decomposed bodies of organisms.
Fill in the blank: ______ are simple and hardy plants that first invade or colonize barren ground.
[pioneer species]
What is one function of mosses in primary succession?
Mosses can grow in the sparse soil made by lichens and trap dust and water against the rock.
What happens to the dead bodies of lichens and mosses during succession?
They add material to the soil when they decay, contributing to humus.
What is produced by pioneer species that allows grasses to grow?
Humus-rich soil
What role do grass roots play in soil stability?
Bind and protect the soil
What happens to moss as taller grass plants grow?
Mosses die off
