Community Succession Flashcards
Key Stone species
Plays a role in its community that is far more important than its relative abundance might suggest
Which are not key stone species
The most abundant species or the major energy producers
Typically exist in low numbers
Ex: Sea Stars, mussels
Example of predator - mediated competition
Ecosystem Engineer
Create or maintain a habitat for other species
Example: Beaver
Ecological Succession
The predictable replacement of one group of species by another group of species over time
Primary Succession
Occurs in surfaces devoid of soil
Results in Trees and Shrubs
Primary succession example
Bare rock is colonized by lichens and mosses- They break down the rock with acids - The rock turns into soil - Grasses and shrubs colonize
Usually occurs on lava
Secondary Succesion
Happens in distribution areas that have not lost their soil
Happens after an event that removes vegetation but not soil
Pioneer Species
Able to colonize new areas rapidly and grow well in full sunshine
Ends with climax stage or climax forest
Aquatic Succession
Happens near the ocean shore or in ponds or small lakes
Species Richness influenced by many factors
1
- Latitude (horizontal line)
Declines as we move from the equator toward the North or South Pole
Species Richness influenced by many factors
2
- Time
The longer it has been around the more opportunity for speciation
Species Richness influenced by many factors
3
Habitat Size and Distance
The theory of Island Biogeography
Larger habitats typically contain more species
Species Richness influenced by many factors
4
The closer islands are to other natural areas the greater the species richness
Islands can be considered on land masses as well as National Parks
