Evolution 5.4

Succession

A series of predictable and orderly changes within an ecosystem over time

Summarize the sequence of events that occur when a pond undergoes secondary succesison

Algae and other organisms grow, reproduce, and die and gradually fill the pond with organic matter. Organic matter and nutrients may also enter the pond through streams and rivers. The pond will fill completely and a ecosystem can start.

Why does primary succession take longer than secondary succession?

An ecosystem must be established in a previously uninhabited area.

Predation

An interaction between species in which one species, the predator, eats the other, the prey.

pioneer species

Species that first colonize newly exposed land.

primary succession

The building of a community when bare rock, sand, or sediment is exposed for the first time.

secondary succession

The building of an ecological community after a disturbance has altered the community but not destroyed all living things of organic matter in the soil.

invasive species

a nonnative species that spreads widely in a community

Compare and contrast primary succession and secondary succession

both establish new ecological communities. In primary succession pioneer species begin to grow on bare rock, sand or sediment, other plants and insects move in as soil begins to form. in secondary succession, vegetation begins to grow after a disturbance that has not completely destroyed the prior ecosystem

over the course of ecological succession, species diversity ________ over time

increases

Why are lichens successful pioneers

lichens can grow on bare rock , they are made up of algae that provide food and energy through photosynthesis, and fungi that attach to rock and capture moisture needed by the algae and fungi to survive

Explain what is meant by climax community

stable community with few changes to populations

When does a species become invasive

when limiting factors as predators/parasites/competitors are not present in its new environment, allowing the population to grow unchecked

What is the title of this lesson?

Community stability

How might an invasive species disturb an ecological community?

It can upset the ecological balance in a community through unchecked population growth.

Do you think preventing the introduction of invasive species is preferable than trying to control them? Why or why not

It's better to place emphasis on stopping these species from entering the community and it's hard to eliminate and control an invasive species.

The first species to colonize newly exposed land are called __

Pioneer species

__________ succession begins with bare rock

Primary

What is the difference between primary and secondary aquatic succession

Primary occurs when an area fills with water for the first time. Secondary occurs after the disturbance of an already existing aquatic community.