Succession Flashcards
What is succession?
Succession is the change in the structure of a community over time. It involves changes in the dominant plant species, and may also include changes in the abiotic features of the area
What is the pioneer species?
The first species (autotrophs) to grow on the barren soil. Able to survive in areas which have limiting factors like very high light intensity and low water holding capacity of the soil due to lack of organic matter.
CHANGE THE ENVIRONMENT TO ALLOW THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANOTHER SPECIES
Lichens that do not need soil to survive grow on rocks. Next, mosses grow to hold newly made soil.
- Growing moss plants trap moisture and prevent soil erosion
What is primary succession?
The first time an area develops from bare rock into a fully developed ecosystem.
What is secondary succession?
Succession that occurs in an area where primary succession has already taken place and soil is already established. Secondary succession happens when an ecosystem has suffered some catastrophe, such as a forest fire or a volcanic eruption.
In primary succession what happens to the lichens?
- When lichens die, they decompose, adding small amounts of organic matter to the rock to make soil.
- The simple plants die, adding more organic material (nutrients to the soil)
- The soil layer thickens, and grasses, wildflowers, and other plants begin to take over
Physical weathering processes that break stone into soil, or stabilises sand enough to support plants.
What is the climax community?
A stable group of plants and animals that is the end result of the succession process. Ecological succession has reached a steady rate.
- Does not always mean big trees
- Grasses in prairies
- Cacti in deserts
How do organisms influence the environment?
These organisms may:
- provide food for others
- eliminate waste
- remove water
- absorb light
- alter oxygen levels
- use others for a habitat
What is a dis- climax community?
A climax community that has been disturbed by various influences, especially by humans and domestic animals, such as the grass land community has been altered to desert by overgrazing.
What is desertification?
The process by which fertile land becomes desert, as a result of drought, deforestation or inappropriate agriculture.
Type of land degradation in which is relatively dry area of land becomes increasingly arid, losing its bodies of water.
