19.6 & 19.7: Succession & its conservation & management

Question 1

Climax community

Answer 1

A stable community that remains in a similar state providing abiotic conditions don’t change.

Question 2

Why is it unlikely that there are any climax communities?

Answer 2

All ecosystems are affected by man (now)

Question 3

Pioneer species

Answer 3

The first species to colonise barren or steady state environments that have been disrupted.

Question 4

Example of pioneer species

Answer 4

lichen colonise bare rock

Question 5

Pioneer species can…

2

Answer 5

reproduce quickly and withstand extreme abiotic factors

Question 6

Humus

Answer 6

The organic component of soil formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant material by soil organisms

Question 7

Conservation

Answer 7

The management of the Earth’s resources in a way that max use of them can be made in the future

Question 8

Main reasons for conservation

4

Answer 8

personal
ethical
economic
cultural and aesthetic

Question 9

Personal reasons for conservation

Answer 9

To maintain our planet and therefore our life support system

Question 10

Ethical reasons for conservation

Answer 10

Our species have occupied the Earth far longer than we have and should be allowed to coexist with us

Question 11

Economic reasons for conservation

Answer 11

Living organisms contain a gigantic pool of genes with the capacity to make valuable in the future

Question 12

Cultural and aesthetic reasons for conservation

Answer 12

habitats and organisms enrich our lives and their variety inspires writers, artists, poets and other who entertain and fulfil us

Question 13

Secondary succession

Answer 13

If the factor preventing succession is removed then the ecosystem develops naturally into its climax community