All Flashcards
Why is succession considered a dynamic process?
Because ecosystems are constantly changing and adapting to new conditions.
What is the key difference between primary and secondary succession?
Primary succession starts with no soil, while secondary succession starts with existing soil.
How does succession affect animal life (fauna)?
As plant life changes during succession, the habitats available for animals also change.
Why are keystone species important for an ecosystem?
They play a critical role in maintaining the structure and function of the ecosystem.
How can indicator species be used to assess ecosystem health?
Their health and abundance provide early warnings of environmental problems.
What role do lichens play in primary succession?
Lichens break down rock and contribute to soil formation through weathering and erosion.
Why is a desert considered a climax community?
If it's stable, it has reached a balance and isn't changing much (unless conditions change).
What are the general steps of primary succession?
- Rock broken down by pioneer species. 2. Soil forms. 3. Grasses take root. 4. Shrubs and trees compete. 5. Hardwood trees form a forest.
What are the general steps of secondary succession?
- Disturbance occurs. 2. Grasses and weeds colonize. 3. Shrubs and young trees grow. 4. Fast-growing trees develop. 5. Climax community forms.
What is the key difference between primary and secondary succession?
Primary succession starts with no soil, while secondary succession starts with existing soil.
Why are keystone species important?
They play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem structure and function.
How do indicator species help monitor environmental health?
Their presence, absence, or condition reflects the health of the ecosystem.
Why is ecological succession considered a dynamic process?
Ecosystems are constantly changing and adapting, not reaching a static endpoint.
How does succession affect animal life (fauna)?
As plant life changes, so does animal life, as different animals thrive in different habitats.
Why is a climax community not always a forest?
A climax community is any stable ecosystem, such as a desert, that has reached equilibrium.
What happens if a keystone species is removed from an ecosystem?
The ecosystem can change dramatically, leading to major disruptions.
How does the environment influence succession?
Changes in the environment can cause the climax community to shift and succession to restart.
Why is primary succession a slow process?
It takes a long time (hundreds or thousands of years) for soil to form.
What role do grasses and weeds play in secondary succession?
They are the first to arrive and colonize the disturbed area.