D: Biology = Changes in Living Systems 2.2 Secondary Succession Flashcards
What role do helicopters often play in forest fires?
Dousing forest fires
Helicopters transport firefighters to combat the blaze.
What unusual weather conditions contributed to the forest fire’s persistence?
Unusually hot spring weather with no rain forecast
These conditions can exacerbate fire spread and intensity.
What is a likely cause of the forest fire mentioned in the text?
Lightning or careless campers
Both are common causes of wildfires.
What percentage of the forest has been destroyed due to the fire?
Thousands of hectares
This indicates a significant loss of forest area.
What are the two main consequences of a forest fire on the environment?
- Destruction of valuable timber
- Destruction of animal habitat
Forest fires can lead to long-term ecological changes.
What can be observed in the burned area months after a forest fire?
Lush, green shoots in the blackened ground
This indicates the resilience of nature and the process of ecological succession.
How does the soil’s nitrogen content change after a forest fire?
It becomes higher
This nutrient increase supports new plant growth.
What type of vegetation might be found in a meadow one year after a forest fire?
- Bright purple fireweed
- Lodgepole pine seedlings
These species are often pioneer plants that thrive in post-fire environments.
Fill in the blank: A forest fire can be both _______ and regenerative.
Destructive
This dual nature highlights the complex role of fire in forest ecology.
What serves as a reminder of the inferno in the meadow after a year?
A few blackened poles
These remnants signify the past fire while new life emerges.
What is secondary succession?
The return in stages to a stable climax community from an area that has had its vegetation—but not its soil—removed.
Secondary succession occurs after disturbances like fires or floods where the soil remains intact.
How does secondary succession differ from primary succession?
Secondary succession occurs more quickly than primary succession due to the presence of soil.
Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas where soil is not present, such as after a volcanic eruption.
What can quickly colonize an area undergoing secondary succession?
Plants that are more complex than lichens and mosses.
These may include shrubs and trees that can establish themselves quickly in the existing soil.
What happens to a garden if it is not maintained after being tilled?
It will soon be overrun with grasses and weeds that grow quickly in the soil.
This illustrates the rapid nature of secondary succession in disturbed areas.
Fill in the blank: Secondary succession occurs quickly in the freshly tilled soil of a _______.
garden
What is the end result of both primary and secondary succession?
The development of a climax community.
A climax community is a stable and mature ecological community that undergoes little change in species composition.
True or False: Secondary succession requires the complete removal of soil.
False
Secondary succession occurs in areas where the soil remains intact, allowing for faster recovery.
What has been the approach to forest fires in Alberta’s provincial parks and Canada’s national parks over the last 100 years?
Forest fires have been strictly controlled
What were the main causes of forest fires that were quickly extinguished in national parks?
Lightning strikes, sparks from trains, and human activity
What was the result of human intervention in controlling forest fires in national parks?
Expansion of climax communities of conifers
How did the increased density of tree growth impact forest fires?
Provided more fuel for larger and more dangerous fires
What effect did the expansion of coniferous forests have on deer and elk populations?
Reduced availability of grassy meadows for feeding
What unintended consequence did fire control policies have on animal species in parks?
Threatened various animal species
What practice did First Nations people employ regarding forest management?
Controlled burning of forests
What was the purpose of the controlled burning practiced by First Nations people?
To promote growth of meadows for medicinal plants and attract deer and elk
What evidence supports the historical practice of controlled burning by First Nations people?
Analysis of tree rings showing regular burn scars
True or False: The climax community of conifers naturally expanded to the greater degree seen in national parks.
False
Fill in the blank: The density of thick tree growth in national parks resulted in more _______.
massive and dangerous fires
What are Alberta’s forests considered?
An extremely important resource
What essential products are derived from Alberta’s forests?
Products ranging from homes to paper and pencils
What is the role of Alberta’s forest industry?
Responsible for timber production
What is required by law in relation to forest harvesting?
Biodiversity of the natural forest
What can you learn about in relation to Alberta’s forests?
Forest harvesting practices
Fill in the blank: Alberta’s forests provide essential products that range from _______ to the paper and pencils.
homes
True or False: Alberta’s forest industry contributes to biodiversity.
True
What technology is utilized in forest harvesting practices?
Utilizing Technology
What is the main debate regarding forest harvesting techniques in Alberta?
The balance between economic progress and environmental protection.
What do many environmentalists think about clearcutting?
They believe it does not follow the principles of sustainable development.
What do representatives of the forest-products industry claim about clearcutting?
It is a sound practice for lodgepole pines because they need light and disturbed soil to regenerate.
Define sustainable development.
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations.
What are the sources of many disputes over land use in Alberta?
Differences between ecological and economic systems.
True or False: Clearcutting is universally accepted as a sustainable practice.
False.
Fill in the blank: Clearcutting is a technique that some environmentalists argue does not align with _______.
[sustainable development].
What do many consumers demand from forestry companies?
Policies that reflect sustainable development
Sustainable development involves harvesting wood in a way that does not exceed the forest’s long-term capacity.
What are the key aspects of sustainable forestry practices?
Conserving soil and water quality, protecting wildlife habitat, protecting rare plants and animals
These practices ensure the long-term health of forest ecosystems.
What certification is often sought by retailers for wood products?
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification
FSC certification ensures that wood products are sourced sustainably.
Which forestry technique prevents companies from becoming FSC certified?
Extensive clearcutting techniques
Clearcutting often leads to environmental degradation and is not aligned with sustainable practices.
What is the role of emerging certification programs in forestry?
Address ecological concerns of consumers
These programs are designed to provide alternatives to existing certifications and address specific ecological issues.
How do many companies in the forest industry view certification?
As a competitive edge and a means to improve public relations
Certification signals to consumers a commitment to sustainable practices.
True or False: Certification is only beneficial for companies that do not practice sustainable development.
False
Certification is beneficial for companies already practicing sustainable development as it helps communicate their efforts.
What is secondary succession?
Secondary succession occurs where soil already exists and is much faster than primary succession
Secondary succession typically follows disturbances in an ecosystem.
What species initiate secondary succession on land?
Grasses and broad-leaved plants
Unlike primary succession, lichens and mosses are not required to create soil.
What is the end result of both primary and secondary succession in northern Alberta?
A stable climax forest
This indicates a mature and stable ecological community.
What is the climax community in southeastern Alberta?
Prairie grassland
This reflects the specific ecological conditions of the region.
What can trigger the process of secondary succession?
Any disturbance of an ecosystem
Examples include forest fires and other natural disturbances.
True or False: Secondary succession is slower than primary succession.
False
Secondary succession is generally faster because soil already exists.
Fill in the blank: In moderation, _______ and other natural disturbances promote species diversity in an ecosystem.
forest fires
These disturbances can regenerate ecosystems.
