Topic 2.4 Flashcards
What is succession?
Succession is the gradual and predictable process of change in the structure and composition of ecological communities over time. It involves the replacement of one community by another, starting with pioneer species and leading to a stable climax community.
Explain how energy flows, GPP, NPP, diversity, and mineral cycling change during succession.
During succession, energy flows, GPP, NPP, diversity, and mineral cycling tend to increase as the ecosystem becomes more established and complex.
Demonstrate how reproductive strategies change between pioneer and climax communities.
Pioneer communities typically consist of r-selected species that reproduce quickly and produce many offspring, while climax communities consist of K-selected species that reproduce more slowly but have higher survival rates.
How would you describe the patterns of change in the plant communities during succession?
Succession involves a progression from pioneer species to a diverse intermediate stage, leading to the dominance of well-adapted climax species. The process results in increased species diversity, structural complexity, and biomass accumulation over time.
Explain how succession links to habitat, species, and genetic diversity.
Succession leads to changes in habitat conditions, which can support different species and genetic diversity as the ecosystem matures.
Explain how climax communities will vary depending on climate, soil, and a range of other local factors.
Climax communities are shaped by climate, soil conditions, and local factors, resulting in variations in species composition and ecosystem characteristics. Climate influences the types of species that can thrive, while soil conditions determine nutrient availability and moisture levels. Other local factors, such as topography and disturbances, further influence species diversity and community structure.
Discuss the range of factors that can divert the progression of succession.
Various factors such as human intervention, disturbances, and environmental changes can divert or disrupt the natural progression of succession in an ecosystem.
Explain how the resilience of the ecosystem can impact its response to change.
Ecosystems with high resilience can better withstand disturbances and adapt to changes, while ecosystems with low resilience may experience greater impacts and struggle to recover.
What is zonation?
Zonation refers to the spatial organization of distinct ecological communities or species along an environmental gradient. It occurs as a series of distinct zones or bands, each characterized by species adapted to specific environmental conditions such as altitude, temperature, moisture, salinity, or substrate type.
