Vegetation Succession

Question 1

pioneer stage

Answer 1

conditions are harsh, few nutrients

pioneer species begin to colonise (eg lichens are algae) as they are adapted to suit harsh conditions.

a thin layer of soil begins to form

Question 2

Intermediate stage

Answer 2

the environment is altered

waste products from pioneer species add nutrients ( humus ) to the soil

larger species move in, pioneer species die off due to competition ( daisys nettles buttercups )

Question 3

Climax Stage

Answer 3

Each stage develops the soil further

species are now larger, more sturdier eg birch trees, oak trees.

the plants in this stage can no longer alter the soil and therefore climax vegetation has been reached.

Question 4

secondary succession

Answer 4

takes place on an environment that was once inhabited and has become barren, but still contains soil and nutrients. occurs more rapidly than primary succession.