23.4 Succession

• Define the term succession

  The process of ecosystem change over time
• State features of a pioneer species

  Produce large quantities of easy to disperse seeds/spores, rapid germination of seeds, ability to photosynthesise, ability to fix nitrogen, withstand extreme conditions
• Define the term deflected succession

  A community that remains stable only because human activity prevents succession from running its course
• Where does primary succession occur?

  On land that has been newly formed
• What is meant by the term 'climax community'?

  When the soil is rich enough to support large trees the climax community is formed (may not be large trees if in the Arctic for example)
• When does secondary succession occur?

  On land that has been cleared but where soil remains
• Give the calculation for estimating population size using 'capture, mark, release and recapture'

  Population size = (number in first sample x number in second sample) / number in second sample previously marked