Topic 7- succession

Question 1

Ecosystems are dynamic, define dynamic

Answer 1

they are constantly changing

Question 2

Ecosystems change from being very simple to being relatively complex, what is this known as?

Answer 2

Succession

Question 3

What conditions change in succession?

Answer 3

the biotic conditions (i.e. the living factors) and the abiotic conditions (i.e. the non-living factors)

Question 4

Define primary succession

Answer 4

the process that occurs when newly formed or newly exposed land (with no species present) is gradually colonised (inhabited) by an increasing number of species

Question 5

Give some examples of how primary succession could occur

Answer 5

The magma from erupting volcanoes cools and often leads to the formation of new rock surfaces or even new rocky islands in the sea
Another way new land can be exposed is by sea-level dropping or the drying up of a lake, leaving areas of bare rock

Question 6

What are the pioneer species?

Answer 6

The first species to colonise the new land

Question 7

What is humus?

Answer 7

As these pioneer species die and decompose, the dead organic matter

Question 8

What is the climax community?

Answer 8

The final community formed, containing all the different plant and animal species that have now colonised the new land