3.5 - Succession

Question 1

What makes an environment extreme?

Answer 1

Strong winds
Salty water
Destructive waves

Question 2

What are halophytes?

Answer 2

Plants that live in saltwater habitats where roots are surrounded by saltwater and still take water in by osmosis
Halosere

Question 3

What are xerophytes?

Answer 3

Plants that life in very dry habitats

Psammosere

Question 4

Order of succession?

Answer 4

Pioneer species
Intermediate community/serial steps
Climax community

Question 5

Pioneer species of sand dunes and saltwater?

Answer 5

Sand dune: marram grass

Saltwater: salt marshes

Question 6

How does marram grass survive?

Answer 6

Rolled leaves reduce SA;V
Pitted stomata create a microclimate to reduce water potential gradient
Waxy cuticles reduce transpiration
Roots grow deep and wide to take up maximum water

Question 7

How do salt marshes survive?

Answer 7

Accumulate salt into them roots to lower water potential inside the root so it’s lower than outside and water can move in through osmosis
Contains aerenchyma which provide air to submerged parts
Leaves are hairy to create microclimate

Question 8

What happens when a pioneer species settles?

Answer 8

Mudis stabilised
Protection from waves allows sediment deposition
When stabilised (nutrients/minerals added) other vegetation is able to grow