Succession

Question 1

Succession

Answer 1

Process by which ecosystems change over time due to changes in the environment

Question 2

Primary

Answer 2

occurs on land that is newly formed/exposed where no soil is present

Question 3

Secondary

Answer 3

occurs where soil is present but no plant or animal species
-takes place in seral stages
-each stage key species identified

Question 4

Pioneer community

Answer 4

arrive before climax, subject to greater change, low biodiversity, less stable, low biomass

Question 5

Pioneer species

Answer 5

-e.g miss, fix nitrogen, photosynthesis, tolerate extreme conditions and weather

Question 6

Intermediate community

Answer 6

pioner species die out and add to soil which can suppourt grasses and small flowering
-new plants outcompete pioneer species

Question 7

climax community

Answer 7

-intermediate species die and add to the soil which is able to support larger shrubs and trees
-outcompete grasses and flowering plants for light, space and nutrient
-less hostile conditions

Question 8

Deflected succession

Answer 8

-where human activity can halt the natural flow of succession and prevent it from reaching climax community

Question 9

Plagioclimax

Answer 9

when succession is artificially stopped