Biology Unit 5 - Succession

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What is succession?
The process of ecosystem change
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2 types of succession?
Primary and secondary
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Where does primary succession occur?
On land thats been newly formed/exposed
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Where does secondary succession occur?
Land thats been cleared of all the plants, but where soil remains
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What may happen to allow primary? (2)
1) A volcano erupted to form new rock surface 2) Just bare rock
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What may happen to allow secondary?
1) Forest fire 2) Forest cut down by humans
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When does primary begin?
When species colonise a new land surface
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What are the first species called?
Pioneer species
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What might begin to grow?
Seeds and spores - blown in by the wind
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What are the abiotic conditions like at the beginning?
Very harsh
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Why can only pioneer species grow?
Because their specially adapted
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Example of pioneer?
Marram grass
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What do pioneer species do?
Change the abiotic conditions
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How does a basic soil form?
The pioneers die and microorganism decompose the dead organic material
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What happens at each stage?
Different plans and animals that are better adapted for the improved conditions one in and out-compete those already there
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What is the main species in the area called?
The dominant species
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What increases as succession keeps happening?
Biodiversity
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What is the final stage called?
The climax community
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Climax community in temperate climate? (lots of water, mild temp)
Large trees (are deep soils)
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Climax community in polar community? (low temp, little water)
Herbs and shrubs
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How can succession be prevented?
Human activities - e.g. mowing grass
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What is the climax community called when succession is artificially stopped?
Plagioclimax
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

2 types of succession?

Back

Primary and secondary

Card 3

Front

Where does primary succession occur?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Where does secondary succession occur?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What may happen to allow primary? (2)

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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