AS Succession

Question 1

Climax community

Answer 1

The relatively stable community of species present at the end of ecological succession. (eg Broadleaved woodland in the UK)

Question 2

Deflected succession

Answer 2

Natural ecological succession is stopped by human actions. Long-term continuation of the actions that deflect succession will create a plagioclimax.

Question 3

Ecological succession

Answer 3

The sequences of changes in community composition which changes as an area is colonised and develops until a climax community is eventually produced. The time period in which a species can survive depends upon the ease with which it colonises and the biotic and abiotic conditions that it is able to survive.

Question 4

Hydrosere

Answer 4

Succession where the first stage or sere is freshwater

Question 5

Lithosere

Answer 5

Succession where the first stage or sere is bare rock

Question 6

Pioneer species

Answer 6

One of the first species to colonise an area at the start of ecological succession. They are usually well adapted to extreme abiotic factors.

Question 7

Plagioclimax

Answer 7

A community of species that does not develop to a natural climatic climax community, but is maintained by external influences which prevent this, including human activities such as burning, grazing or ploughing.

Question 7

Psammosere

Answer 7

Succession where the first stage or sere is on sand

Question 8

Secondary succession

Answer 8

Ecological succession that takes place in an area where the existing climax community has been disturbed or destroyed.

Question 9

Sere

Answer 9

A stage in ecological succession in the changes that occur, eventually producing the climax community.