6.5.3 Ecological succession

• Ecological succession is the process of community change and development
• Primary succession occurs on newly formed or barren land with no existing soil.


  True
• In which type of succession is soil already present?

  Secondary succession
• The cause of disturbance in primary succession is the creation of new land
• Stages of primary succession

  1️⃣ Colonization by pioneer species

  2️⃣ Soil formation through decomposition

  3️⃣ Establishment of grasses and shrubs

  4️⃣ Growth of trees and forests

  5️⃣ Climax community development
• In secondary succession, pioneer species are often annual plants and grasses
• Match the term with its definition:

  Primary succession ↔️ Succession on barren land

  Secondary succession ↔️ Succession in previously inhabited areas
• Secondary succession starts with the formation of new soil.

  False
• In primary succession, pioneer species are lichens and mosses
• How is soil formed in primary succession?

  By pioneer species
• What are the two main types of ecological succession?

  Primary and secondary
• In primary succession, pioneer species such as lichens and mosses break down rock and add organic material
• Primary succession takes a longer time to reach the climax stage compared to secondary succession.

  True
• Match the type of succession with its starting surface:

  Primary succession ↔️ Barren land with no soil

  Secondary succession ↔️ Pre-existing soil
• Secondary succession can occur after a natural disaster such as a fire or flood.


  True
• What factor allows secondary succession to reach the climax community faster than primary succession?

  Pre-existing soil
• Stages of secondary succession

  1️⃣ Colonization by pioneer species like grasses

  2️⃣ Growth of shrubs and small trees

  3️⃣ Establishment of forests

  4️⃣ Climax community development
• What is the starting surface for primary succession?

  Barren land with no soil
• Secondary succession takes longer to reach the climax community than primary succession.

  False
• Stages of primary succession

  1️⃣ Colonization by pioneer species

  2️⃣ Soil formation through decomposition

  3️⃣ Growth of grasses and shrubs

  4️⃣ Establishment of trees and forests

  5️⃣ Climax community development
• In primary succession, the time to reach the climax community is longer
• What are examples of pioneer species in primary succession?

  Lichens and mosses
• Ecological succession is the process of gradual change and development in an ecosystem over time
• What is the starting condition for primary succession?

  Newly formed or barren land
• Where does secondary succession typically occur?

  Previously inhabited areas
• Primary succession takes longer to reach the climax community than secondary succession.

  True
• What is the final stage of primary succession called?

  Climax community
• Secondary succession develops more quickly than primary succession because the soil is pre-existing.


  True
• What is the stable, mature state of an ecosystem called in ecological succession?

  Climax community
• Where does secondary succession occur?

  In previously inhabited areas
• In secondary succession, pioneer species like annual plants and grasses establish more quickly because there is pre-existing soil
• Primary succession takes longer than secondary succession because it involves the slow build-up of soil by pioneer species.


  True
• What is the starting surface of primary succession?

  Barren land with no soil
• Which pioneer species colonize newly formed land in primary succession?

  Lichens and mosses
• What type of succession occurs on newly formed or barren land with no existing soil?

  Primary Succession
• Secondary succession occurs in areas with pre-existing soil, such as after a fire.


  True
• In secondary succession, annual plants and grasses are typical pioneer species.
• Primary succession takes a longer time to reach a climax community compared to secondary succession.


  True
• Pioneer species contribute to soil development by breaking down rock and adding organic matter.
• Pioneer species play a role in nutrient cycling, which improves ecosystem nutrient availability.


  True