Ecological Succession Flashcards
What is ecological succession?
- the pattern of change over time in the types of species in a community
What is primary succession?
The sequence of organisms that develop in a new habitat
What are some examples of primary succession?
- island formation
- sand dune ecology
What is the primary succession sequence?
- bare rock
- deposition of soil (nutrients)
- pioneer species of plants move in
- intermediate species - herbaceous shrubs and small trees
- climax community
What are pioneer species?
The first plants to germinate and grow in a new habitat
What are intermediate and climax species?
These are plants that replace pioneer species until a balanced stable community has formed
What do the sets of plants in each habitat do?
Each set of plants alter the habitat so that other plants can establish themselves
What are the qualities of pioneer species?
- first plants to inhabit
- little competition for space & resources
- hardy
- establish rapidly
- seeds/spores distributed over a wide area
- tolerate harsh conditions - hot/dry/bright
What is the role of pioneer species?
- prepare the surroundings for other species
- build up/ stabilise & enrich soil/ trap moisture
- provide shade
What are some examples of pioneer species?
- lichen
- moss
What happens to habitats after primary species inhabit the land?
- original harsh conditions changed by pioneer species
- soil is more fertile - holds more water
- temperatures are less extreme - more shade
What do intermediate species do?
- new changed habitat attracts more species
- soil builds up
- small hardy, woody plants grow
- become bigger woody shrubs and bushes
- larger animals attracted
- complex community develops
What are some examples of intermediate species?
- grasses
- perennials
What is a climax community?
A climax community is the endpoint of succession
