Topic 5A: Succession

Question 1

what is Succession?(2)

Answer 1

• The sequence of change of a community of organisms in an ecosystem
• Over a period of time

Question 2

What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?(2)

Answer 2

• Primary succession occurs on land that has been newly formed
• Seconday succession happens on land that has been cleared of all plants

Question 3

Explain the process of primary succession

Answer 3

• Abiotic conditions are hostile meaning only pioneer species can survive
• Death of pioneer species change abiotic conditions (forms organic material hummus) making it less hostile
• abiotic conditions become favourable to new species of animals

Question 4

Eplain what is meant by a climax community (2)

Answer 4

• The final stage of a community due to succession

- It is the most stable community containing one/a few dominant species

Question 5

Why is a Climax community stable?(3)

Answer 5

• Has high biodiversity
• species depend on one another to survive
• Balance didstribution of species
• Dominant spcies
• No change n species
• Change in environment i.e rain will have little affect due to varying species

Question 6

What is a pioneer species?

Answer 6

The first species colonise an area of land - usually, more specially adapted

Question 7

What is “Climatic Climax”?

Answer 7

The Climax Community for a particular climate

Question 8

Give an example of humans preventing succession

Answer 8

I.e. Cutting down treese, Mowing Lawns etc.