Succession

Question 1

succession

Answer 1

the predictable change in the species present in a community of organisms over time

Question 2

primary succession

Answer 2

succession from pioneer species to climax community that occurs where life wasn’t present before

Question 3

secondary succession

Answer 3

succession from recolonisation to climax community that occurs where like was present

Question 4

deflected succession

Answer 4

succession that is prevented from reaching a climax community

Question 5

pioneer species

Answer 5

the first species that colonies an area as they are able to withstand harsh abiotic factors

Question 6

climax community

Answer 6

the final stage of succession, a stable community which cannot be outcompeted by another community unless conditions change

Question 7

how does succession occur from colonisation to climax community

Answer 7

• pioneer species change the abiotic conditions making it more suitable to different species
• pioneer species are outcompeted by other secies once the conditions are suitable for them to survive
• as the succession progresses the species diversity increase for both animals and plants
• as plants die and decompose they add organic matter to the soil which increases the soils depth, volume of water and nitrate content

Question 8

why is secondary succession quicker than primary succession

Answer 8

• secondary stars with soil already in place so the soil will already contain nitrates and water
• the seeds of plants, eggs and larvae of animals are present so colonisation of the bare soil occurs very quickly