G&E: Succession Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in G&E: Succession Deck (14)
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1
Q

Succession

A

Process by which an ecosystem changes over time

2
Q

Primary succession

A

Happens on land that’s been newly formed or exposed, where there’s no soil or organic material.

3
Q

Secondary succession

A

Happens on land that’s been cleared of all the plants, but where the soil remians.

4
Q

Describe the stages of primary succession:

A
  • Abiotic conditions are hostile - only pioneer species grow as they are adapted to cope.
  • Pioneer species changes abiotic conditions - as they die, microorganisms decompose the dead organic material forming humus and basic soil.
  • Conditions become less hostil.
  • New organisms with different adaptions can move in.
  • As they die, more organic matter is added making the soil deeper and richer in minerals.
  • Larger plants like shrubs can grow.
5
Q

What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?

A

Already a soil layer, so succession starts at a later stage and pioneer species are larger plants.

6
Q

What is the final stage of succesion?

A

Climax community

7
Q

Climax community

A

The ecosystem is supporting the largest and most complex community of plants and animals it can.

It won’t change much more and is in a steady state.

8
Q

What determines which species make up the climax community?

A

The climate of the ecosystem.

9
Q

Climatic climax

A

The climax community for a particular climate.

10
Q

What does conservation often involve?

A

Managing succession

11
Q

Plagioclimax

A

When human activity stops succession artificially and prevents a climax community from developing.

12
Q

Conservation

A

The protection and management of ecosystems.

13
Q

How can succession be managed to conserve the moorland ecosystem?

A
  • Allow animals to graze on the land - stops shrubs and trees establishing themselves and keeps vegetation low.
  • Managed fires are lit - allows secondary succession to occur on the moorland and the pioneer species are the species that are being conserved.
14
Q

Why does conservation sometimes involve managing succession?

A

If natural processes continued, the loss of a specific type of habitat could lead to the loss of plants and animals that currently live there.

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