Sucession Flashcards
What is succession?
The change in communities and ecosystems over time
What is included at each stage of sucession?
A sere
What is identified at each stage of succession?
A certain species which will change in the environment
What can cause the formation of barren land or water?
Lakes formed due to land subsidence, volcanic explosions, deserts, glaciers and silt and mud at river estuaries
What is the 1st stage of succession?
Colonisation of inhospitable environment by pioneer species
What are the species present in stage 1 of succession?
Lichens and mosses
What do lichens and mosses produce?
Many wind borne seeds which dont need a dormancy period, meaning they germinate quickly
What are characteristics of lichens and mosses?
They are photosynthetic and can fix nitrogen from air
Why do lichens and mosses survive?
Because nothing else an compete due to being okay with poor or no soil
What are the other species present in the mid-later stages of sucession?
Annual weeds, perennial weeds, grasses and shrubs
What happens in the mid-later stages of sucession?
The abiotic environment becomes less hostile
Why does the abiotic environment become less hostile?
Soil forms, nutrients becomes more plentiful and plants provide shelter from the wind
What is the result of the mid-later stages of succession?
Greater number and variety of habitats that produces, greater biodiversity as different species occupy habitats, more complex food webs and increased biomass
What is a climax community?
A stable and balanced community with many species
What is primary succession?
Bare rock or other barren terrain is colonised
