Conservation and Succession Flashcards
What is succession?
the process of the environmental conditions of an ecosystem changing over time
What is primary succession?
succession where the first stage occurs from bare rocks, with the rocks being colonised by a pioneer species
What is an example of where primary succession may occur?
new rocks formed by volcanoes / rocks exposed by sea level change
What are 2 examples of pioneer species, state how they are adapted?
- marram grass; is salt tolerant, has deep roots (can get H2O and minerals)
- lichen- part fungi; breaks down/dissolves rocks to obtain nutrients/ is part alga, photosynthetic
How does marram grass allow succession in sand dunes?
long roots stabilise the dune/sand
makes the conditions less hostile for new species
Why is biodiversity in the climax community high?
there are more food sources available
there is a greater variety of habitats/niches
How might an organism make the environment more suitable for new species?
- increase organic matter
- increase in food sources
Why does the number of pioneer species decrease as succession occurs?
they are outcompeted
the conditions become less suitable (for this species)
Give three features of a climax community
- abiotic factors remain fairly constant
- same species present/ stable community
- relatively stable population size (near carrying capacity)
Suggest three reasons for conserving woodlands
- conserving/protecting habitats/niches
- conserving species
- reduces greenhouse effect (takes in CO2)
Explain the advantage to a plant that colonises after 50 years (long time) of having a high rate of photosynthesis at low light intensities.
can survive (produce glucose) in shaded areas, when overshadowed by taller plants.
How does conservation of grasslands involve the management of succession?
Grassland consists of small / annual plants which will be outcompeted by woody plants;
So these (woody plants) must be removed / have growth checked / grazed
What factors impact the size of populations in a climax community?
- limited number of producers present to provide energy for the food chain
- diseases spreading and killing members of species
- nutrient (nitrates, phosphates etc) availability
- space for nests etc.
- competition for named resource (food, water, light)
What are the 5 methods of conservation?
- managing succession
- seed banks
- captive breeding
- fishing quotas
- protected areas
What are the advantages and disadvantages of seed banks?
+VE: Lots can be stored in small space
-VE: seeds need to be tested and upkept- expensive and time consuming
