Genetics, Poulations, Evolution And Ecosystems (3.7) Flashcards
Ecosystems are _________, meaning they are constantly changing.
Dynamic
What happens during succession?
During succession, the biotic conditions (i.e. the living factors) and the abiotic conditions (i.e. the non-living factors) change over time
What is primary succession?
Primary succession is the process that occurs when newly formed or newly exposed land (with no species present) is gradually colonised (inhabited) by an increasing number of species
What is a pioneer species?
The first species to colonise the new land
What are 2 examples of a pioneer species?
Moss
Lichens
Describe how a climax community is formed.
Firstly, seeds and spores that are carried by the wind land on the exposed rock and begin to grow. As these pioneer species die and decompose, the dead organic matter (humus) forms a basic soil.
Seeds and spores are carried by the wind (or other ways e.g in bird faeces) and land on the basic soil and begin to grow (these smaller plants are adapted to survive in shallow, relatively nutrient-poor soils). As these small plants and shrubs die and decompose, the new soil becomes deeper and more nutrient-rich. The roots of these small plants and shrubs also form a network that helps to hold the soil in place and prevent it from being washed away.
Larger plants and shrubs, as well as small trees, that require deeper, more nutrient-rich soil, can now begin to grow.
Finally, the soil is sufficiently deep, contains enough nutrients and can hold enough water to support the growth of large trees.
What is a climax community?
The final community formed, containing all the different plant and animal species that have now colonised the new land, is known as the climax community
At each stage in succession, there are certain species that gradually _______ the local environment so that it becomes more suitable for other _________ that have not yet colonised the new land.
Change
Species
Give an example of how the new colonising species can change the environment in such a way that it becomes less suitable for the species.
As mosses grow, the basic soil continues to build up until small plants and grasses can colonise the new land. Eventually, these species result in the formation of a thin soil layer that covers the newly formed rock surface completely. As lichens cannot grow on soil, they now disappear from the ecosystem. In this way, the new species that arrived after the lichens have changed the environment in such a way that it becomes less suitable for the lichens.
