Communities of animals and plants colonise an area, and then, over time, are replaced by other, usually more varied, communities
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Primary succession
Development of a community that has started on an empty inorganic surface such as bare rock or sand. Often seen after volcanic eruptions or landslides
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Pioneer species
Also known as opportunists, these are organisms that can penetrate the surface of a rock, helping to break it down to form soil, and also to trap organic material that will become humus
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humus
Organic material that will, along with small grains of rock, become soil
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First soil (why is it important?)
Once soil has formed, plants with more complex root systems can colonise the area. These initial plants add to the soil layer when they die, building up the depth.
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Deep soil (why is it important?)
Deeper soil means more water and nutrients can be retained, therefore a greater number of plants, less hardy ones, and larger plants, can be supported. Deep soil increases the diversity of an area
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Climax community
The last community to form, where the biodiversity and range of species stays generally constant, without other species taking over. These are diverse, self-sustaining and have the highest productivity the environment can support.
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Secondary succession
The process is the same as primary succession, but it occurs on existing SOIL that has been cleared of vegetation, usually caused by human disturbance, fires, floods or rivers shifting. Usually starts with more species because soil already present.
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Timescale
Depends on factors like temperature, rainfall, soil fertility, the number of seeds, roots and soil organisms already present in the soil when it is bare, and what species are able enough to colonise.
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
Development of a community that has started on an empty inorganic surface such as bare rock or sand. Often seen after volcanic eruptions or landslides
Back
Primary succession
Card 3
Front
Also known as opportunists, these are organisms that can penetrate the surface of a rock, helping to break it down to form soil, and also to trap organic material that will become humus
Back
Card 4
Front
Organic material that will, along with small grains of rock, become soil
Back
Card 5
Front
Once soil has formed, plants with more complex root systems can colonise the area. These initial plants add to the soil layer when they die, building up the depth.
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