Community Change Flashcards
What role do organisms play in community change?
Organisms change their environment by living in it
Define succession
Community change in one direction
What is the state of a habitat at the beginning of primary succession?
New habitat
What causes a habitat to be in this state?
may be, but is not limited to:
* volcanic island
* post glaciation
* sand dunes
* no species present
What kind of community exists at the end of primary succession?
Climax community
Is it the case that a climax or mature community never changes?
Succession stops temporarily when a “climax” community forms; such communities remain in relative equilibrium until a disturbance restarts the succession process
What are the characteristics of early colonizers?
- Can disperse into new habitat.
- Can grow with low nutrients.
- As they grow they make the habitat less hospitable for themeselves and make it more hospitable for other species
What are examples of early colonizers?
Lichens, small annual plants, grasses, perrenials
What are the characteristics of intermediate species?
- Require more nutrients from the habitat
- Shade intolerent
What are examples of intermediate species?
Grasses, shrubs, trees
What is a characteristic of a climax community?
- Stable
- Many kinds of climax communities
What are some examples of climax communities?
Grasslands, forests, swamps
What is a difference between primary and secondary succession?
Primary: starts with a new habitat.
Secondary: starts after a major disturbance.
Why might secondary succession be a more common process than primary succession?
Landscapes experience disturbances more often.
