Ecological Succession Flashcards
1
Q
What is succession?
A
- changes in species of an ecosystem over time
2
Q
What are the key features of pioneer species?
A
- rapid germination of seeds
- can photosynthesise
- ability to fix nitrogen
- produce wind-dispersing seeds
3
Q
What is the first stage of succession?
A
Hostile environment is colonised by pioneer species
4
Q
How does the environment change by succession?
A
As each species dies, more nutrients are left in the soil, environment becomes less hostile with each stage of succession
5
Q
What are the common features of succession?
A
- environment becomes less hostile
- biodiversity increases
- biomass increases
- number and variety of habitats increases
- more complex food webs
6
Q
What is conservation?
A
Management of Earth’s natural resources in a way that ensures maximum use of them in future
7
Q
What are the 3 main reasons for conservation?
A
- ethical
- economical; different species have ability to produce materials that are useful
- aesthetic
