Ecological Succession

Question 1

Ecological succession

Answer 1

Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area; can be primary or secondary.

The gradual replacement of one plant community by another through natural processes over time.

Question 2

Primary succession

Answer 2

Begins in a place without any soil.

Starts with the arrival of living things i.e. Lichens.

Question 3

Pioneer species

Answer 3

Do not need soil to survive.

Question 4

Primary succession cycle/diagram

Answer 4

1. Arrival of living things.
2. Soil starts to form (lichens, weather and erosion break down rocks).
3. lichens die ➡️decompose = adding small amount of organic matter to the rock to make soil.
4. Simple plants (mosses and fern) grow in new soil.
5. Simple plants die➡️ adding more organic matter.
6. Soil thickens and grasses, wildflowers and other plants take over.
7. These plants die = more nutrients in soil.
8. Shrubs and trees can survive
9. Insects, birds and mammals have begun to move in.

Question 5

Secondary succession

Answer 5

Begins in a place that already has soil and was once the home of living organisms.

Occurs faster and has different pioneer species than primary succession.

E.g. After bush fires