Succession

Question 1

What is succession?

Answer 1

-the change of species present in an ecosystem

Question 2

What is primary succession?

Answer 2

-on newly formed or exposed land

Question 3

What is secondary succession?

Answer 3

-land where soil is present, but no plants or animals

Question 4

What are the 4 seral stages?

Answer 4

1. barren land
2. pioneer community of colonisers
3. intermediate community
4. climax community

Question 5

What is usually in the pioneer community?

Answer 5

-lichen
-tolerant for harsh conditions
-able to fix nitrogen themselves

Question 6

What is the intermediate community?

Answer 6

-once weather has formed soil and decomposing pioneers have added humus
-a trend of increasing size

Question 7

What is a climax community?

Answer 7

-dominant species will be evident often trees

Question 8

How can succession be deflected?

Answer 8

-ecosystem is held back from reaching climax
-plagioclimax

Question 9

How can you conserve endangered species?

Answer 9

-in intermediate
-woodland growth can be prevented bu removing saplings and any plants that add nutrients to soil

Question 10

Describe the differences between a pioneer community and a climax community

Answer 10

-pioneers arrive before climax
-pioneers have lower biodiversity
-pioneers have lower stability