D: Biology = Changes in Living Systems 2.2 Secondary Succession

Question 1

What role do helicopters often play in forest fires?

Answer 1

Dousing forest fires

Helicopters transport firefighters to combat the blaze.

Question 2

What unusual weather conditions contributed to the forest fire’s persistence?

Answer 2

Unusually hot spring weather with no rain forecast

These conditions can exacerbate fire spread and intensity.

Question 3

What is a likely cause of the forest fire mentioned in the text?

Answer 3

Lightning or careless campers

Both are common causes of wildfires.

Question 4

What amount of the forest has been destroyed due to the fire?

Answer 4

Thousands of hectares

This indicates a significant loss of forest area.

Question 5

What are the two main consequences of a forest fire on the environment?

Answer 5

• Destruction of valuable timber
• Destruction of animal habitat

Forest fires can lead to long-term ecological changes.

Question 6

What can be observed in the burned area months after a forest fire?

Answer 6

Lush, green shoots in the blackened ground

This indicates the resilience of nature and the process of ecological succession.

Question 7

How does the soil’s nitrogen content change after a forest fire?

Answer 7

It becomes higher

This nutrient increase supports new plant growth.

Question 8

What type of vegetation might be found in a meadow one year after a forest fire?

Answer 8

• Bright purple fireweed
• Lodgepole pine seedlings

These species are often pioneer plants that thrive in post-fire environments.

Question 9

Fill in the blank: A forest fire can be both _______ and regenerative.

Answer 9

Destructive

This dual nature highlights the complex role of fire in forest ecology.

Question 10

What serves as a reminder of the inferno in the meadow after a year?

Answer 10

A few blackened poles

These remnants signify the past fire while new life emerges.

Question 11

What is secondary succession?

Answer 11

The return in stages to a stable climax community from an area that has had its vegetation—but not its soil—removed.

Secondary succession occurs after disturbances like fires or floods where the soil remains intact.

Question 12

How does secondary succession differ from primary succession?

Answer 12

Secondary succession occurs more quickly than primary succession due to the presence of soil.

Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas where soil is not present, such as after a volcanic eruption.

Question 13

What can quickly colonize an area undergoing secondary succession?

Answer 13

Plants that are more complex than lichens and mosses.

These may include shrubs and trees that can establish themselves quickly in the existing soil.

Question 14

What happens to a garden if it is not maintained after being tilled?

Answer 14

It will soon be overrun with grasses and weeds that grow quickly in the soil.

This illustrates the rapid nature of secondary succession in disturbed areas.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: Secondary succession occurs quickly in the freshly tilled soil of a _______.

Answer 15

garden

Question 16

What is the end result of both primary and secondary succession?

Answer 16

The development of a climax community.

A climax community is a stable and mature ecological community that undergoes little change in species composition.

Question 17

True or False: Secondary succession requires the complete removal of soil.

Answer 17

False

Secondary succession occurs in areas where the soil remains intact, allowing for faster recovery.

Question 18

What has been the approach to forest fires in Alberta’s provincial parks and Canada’s national parks over the last 100 years?

Answer 18

Forest fires have been strictly controlled

Question 19

What were the main causes of forest fires that were quickly extinguished in national parks?

Answer 19

Lightning strikes, sparks from trains, and human activity

Question 20

What was the result of human intervention in controlling forest fires in national parks?

Answer 20

Expansion of climax communities of conifers

Question 21

How did the increased density of tree growth impact forest fires?

Answer 21

Provided more fuel for larger and more dangerous fires

Question 22

What effect did the expansion of coniferous forests have on deer and elk populations?

Answer 22

Reduced availability of grassy meadows for feeding

Question 23

What unintended consequence did fire control policies have on animal species in parks?

Answer 23

Threatened various animal species

Question 24

What practice did First Nations people employ regarding forest management?

Answer 24

Controlled burning of forests

Question 25

What was the purpose of the controlled burning practiced by First Nations people?

Answer 25

To promote growth of meadows for medicinal plants and attract deer and elk

Question 26

What evidence supports the historical practice of controlled burning by First Nations people?

Answer 26

Analysis of tree rings showing regular burn scars

Question 27

True or False: The climax community of conifers naturally expanded to the greater degree seen in national parks.

Answer 27

False

Question 28

Fill in the blank: The density of thick tree growth in national parks resulted in more _______.

Answer 28

massive and dangerous fires

Question 29

What are Alberta's forests considered?

Answer 29

An extremely important resource

Question 30

What essential products are derived from Alberta's forests?

Answer 30

Products ranging from homes to paper and pencils

Question 31

What is the role of Alberta's forest industry?

Answer 31

Responsible for timber production

Question 32

What is required by law in relation to forest harvesting?

Answer 32

Biodiversity of the natural forest

Question 33

What can you learn about in relation to Alberta's forests?

Answer 33

Forest harvesting practices

Question 34

Fill in the blank: Alberta's forests provide essential products that range from _______ to the paper and pencils.

Answer 34

homes

Question 35

True or False: Alberta's forest industry contributes to biodiversity.

Answer 35

True

Question 36

What technology is utilized in forest harvesting practices?

Answer 36

Utilizing Technology

Question 37

What is the main debate regarding forest harvesting techniques in Alberta?

Answer 37

The balance between economic progress and environmental protection.

Question 38

What do many environmentalists think about clearcutting?

Answer 38

They believe it does not follow the principles of sustainable development.

Question 39

What do representatives of the forest-products industry claim about clearcutting?

Answer 39

It is a sound practice for lodgepole pines because they need light and disturbed soil to regenerate.

Question 40

Define sustainable development.

Answer 40

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations.

Question 41

What are the sources of many disputes over land use in Alberta?

Answer 41

Differences between ecological and economic systems.

Question 42

True or False: Clearcutting is universally accepted as a sustainable practice.

Answer 42

False.

Question 43

Fill in the blank: Clearcutting is a technique that some environmentalists argue does not align with _______.

Answer 43

[sustainable development].

Question 44

What do many consumers demand from forestry companies?

Answer 44

Policies that reflect sustainable development ## Footnote Sustainable development involves harvesting wood in a way that does not exceed the forest's long-term capacity.

Question 45

What are the key aspects of sustainable forestry practices?

Answer 45

Conserving soil and water quality, protecting wildlife habitat, protecting rare plants and animals ## Footnote These practices ensure the long-term health of forest ecosystems.

Question 46

What certification is often sought by retailers for wood products?

Answer 46

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification ## Footnote FSC certification ensures that wood products are sourced sustainably.

Question 47

Which forestry technique prevents companies from becoming FSC certified?

Answer 47

Extensive clearcutting techniques ## Footnote Clearcutting often leads to environmental degradation and is not aligned with sustainable practices.

Question 48

What is the role of emerging certification programs in forestry?

Answer 48

Address ecological concerns of consumers ## Footnote These programs are designed to provide alternatives to existing certifications and address specific ecological issues.

Question 49

How do many companies in the forest industry view certification?

Answer 49

As a competitive edge and a means to improve public relations ## Footnote Certification signals to consumers a commitment to sustainable practices.

Question 50

True or False: Certification is only beneficial for companies that do not practice sustainable development.

Answer 50

False ## Footnote Certification is beneficial for companies already practicing sustainable development as it helps communicate their efforts.

Question 51

What is secondary succession?

Answer 51

Secondary succession occurs where soil already exists and is much faster than primary succession ## Footnote Secondary succession typically follows disturbances in an ecosystem.

Question 52

What species initiate secondary succession on land?

Answer 52

Grasses and broad-leaved plants ## Footnote Unlike primary succession, lichens and mosses are not required to create soil.

Question 53

What is the end result of both primary and secondary succession in northern Alberta?

Answer 53

A stable climax forest ## Footnote This indicates a mature and stable ecological community.

Question 54

What is the climax community in southeastern Alberta?

Answer 54

Prairie grassland ## Footnote This reflects the specific ecological conditions of the region.

Question 55

What can trigger the process of secondary succession?

Answer 55

Any disturbance of an ecosystem ## Footnote Examples include forest fires and other natural disturbances.

Question 56

True or False: Secondary succession is slower than primary succession.

Answer 56

False ## Footnote Secondary succession is generally faster because soil already exists.

Question 57

Fill in the blank: In moderation, _______ and other natural disturbances promote species diversity in an ecosystem.

Answer 57

forest fires ## Footnote These disturbances can regenerate ecosystems.