Succesion π΄π¬πΊπ» Flashcards
During succession common features emerge β¦?
The non living environment becomes less HOSTILE!! β¨β¨β¨ Greater number and variety of habitats β¨β¨β¨ Increased biodiversity β¨β¨β¨ More complex food webs β¨β¨β¨ Increased biomass
In a climax community there is�
A dominant animal species and a dominant plant species πΈπ―πΊπ π»π¬π΄π°
Pioneer species have features to suit them to colonise�
Production of vast quantities of wind-dispersed seeds or spores
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Rapid germination of seeds in arrival so they donβt require a period of dormancy
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Ability to photosynthesis (light available but no other food) not dependent on animals!
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Ability to fix N2 from atmosphere - v.few nitrates available
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Tolerant to extreme conditions!!
The first stage of succession β¦.?
Is colonisation of an inhospitable environment by pioneer species!!!
Definition of succession ?
A general term for plants colonising an area of bare land
Pioneer species do??
Stabilise the environment to is becomes less HOSTILE
Soul development to increase the humus from decomposed plants
Change soil pH to become more neutral
Roots enable soil to hold more water
Decomposed plants release more nutrients (nitrates or carbon)
Form micro habitat to reduce exposure / provide shelter / reduce erosion
Climax community ??
Final stage of succession, normally a forest, maximum amount of biodiversity, with one dominant species!!
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Important changes at the beginning of succession ??
-few plants
-little shade
- high light intensity
β¦..therefore more photosynthesis
β¦..therefore plants grow rapidly
-hot in day as no shade
-cold at night as no shelter
Important changes at the end of succession (climax community)??
-lots of plants
-lots of shade
-low light intensity
β¦β¦therefore less photosynthesis
-constant temperature
-increased biomass (more plants, bigger plants, more animals)
- increased biodiversity
- more nutrients (carbon and nitrogen)
-less HOSTILE
Primary succession ??
Plants that colonise new land that has never has plants in it before (e.g. A beach)
Secondary succession??
Plants that colonise land that uses to have plants on (e.g. After a larva flow or after deforestation)
Secondary succession is much faster than primary succession becauseβ¦.?
There is already an existing seed bank of suitable plants in the soil
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Root systems in the soil can rapidly regenerate
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There are already nutrients in the soil
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