Succession & Conservation Flashcards
1
Q
What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?
A
Primary=on land that is newly formed/had no soil
Secondary= on land that had been cleared of plants but the soil remains (e.g. Forest fire or deforestation)
2
Q
Describe the process of succession
A
- Starts with a pioneer species colonising the area.
- Over time they release minerals and produce a simple soil when they die and decompose
- This decreases the hostility of the ecosystem
- and increases the species diversity as more species can survive
- These species outcompete and a climax community is formed
3
Q
What is the definition of conservation?
A
The protection and management of ecosystems
4
Q
Why is conservation important?
A
- species are resources for lots of things that humans need e.g. Drugs, clothes and food
- some people think that it’s the right thing to do - organisms have the right to exist
- can help prevent climate change (if trees not burned down)
- prevents disruption of food chains
5
Q
Give some examples of conservation
A
- seedbanks (plants)
- fishing quotas (fish)
- captive breeding programmes (animal)
- relocation
- protected areas (habitats)
6
Q
What is succession?
A
The process by which an ecosystem changes over time
