Succession

• What is the process called when the type of organisms in an ecosystem changes over time?

  Succession
• What are the stages in succession called?

  Successional stages
• How does succession affect environmental conditions?

  Species change conditions, making them suitable
• What are the two main types of succession?

  Primary and secondary succession
• What is primary succession?

  Succession on newly formed or exposed land
• What is the starting condition of primary succession?

  No soil or organic material
• What are pioneer species?

  First species to colonize a new area
• What are some examples of pioneer species?

  Marram grass, lichens, Coyote shrubs
• How do pioneer species change abiotic conditions?

  They produce organic material, forming soil
• What happens to the soil as pioneer species die and decay?

  It becomes deeper and richer in minerals
• What role do nitrogen-fixing bacteria play in succession?

  They convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia
• What is the climax community?

  The final, stable community in succession
• What is secondary succession?

  Succession on land cleared of plants but with soil
• How does secondary succession differ from primary succession?

  It starts with existing soil and larger plants
• What determines the species in a climax community?

  The climate of the ecosystem
• What is a climatic climax community?

  The climax community for a specific climate
• What is a plagioclimax?

  A climax community prevented by human activity
• What is deflected succession?

  Succession prevented by human activity, creating a different community
• What is an example of deflected succession?

  A regularly mown grassy field
• What human activity can prevent succession?

  Management of nature reserves
• Why is it important to use correct ecological terms in exams?

  To accurately describe ecological processes
• What are the stages of primary succession?

  1. Pioneer species colonize bare rock
  2. Soil formation through decay of pioneers
  3. Larger plants establish as soil deepens
  4. Shrubs and small trees begin to grow
  5. Climax community develops with dominant species
• What are the stages of secondary succession?

  1. Soil remains after disturbance
  2. Pioneer species, often larger plants, establish
  3. Community develops rapidly due to existing soil
  4. Climax community forms based on climate
• What are the impacts of human activities on succession?

  • Prevents natural climax community development
  • Creates plagioclimax communities
  • Can lead to deflected succession
• What factors influence the climatic climax community?

  • Climate conditions (temperature, water availability)
  • Soil type and nutrient levels
  • Disturbances from human activities