APES Ecological Succession
35 flashcards covering APES Ecological Succession for the AP-ENVIRONMENTAL-SCIENCE Unit 2 section.
Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, involving a series of stages that lead to a stable community. This concept is defined by the College Board in the AP Environmental Science curriculum, emphasizing both primary and secondary succession. Understanding these processes is essential for comprehending ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity.
In practice exams and competency assessments, questions on ecological succession often require students to identify stages of succession or differentiate between primary and secondary succession. Common traps include confusing the characteristics of each stage or overlooking the role of disturbances that can reset succession. It’s important to pay attention to specific examples, as questions may present scenarios that test your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. One often-overlooked detail is the significance of pioneer species in initiating primary succession, which can be crucial for answering related questions correctly.
Terms (35)
- 01
What is primary succession?
Primary succession is the process of ecological change that occurs in an area where no soil exists, such as after a volcanic eruption or glacial retreat. It begins with pioneer species colonizing the barren environment, leading to soil formation and eventual establishment of a stable ecosystem (College Board CED).
- 02
What is secondary succession?
Secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed an existing ecosystem but left the soil intact, such as after a forest fire or agricultural abandonment. It generally progresses faster than primary succession due to the presence of soil and seeds (College Board CED).
- 03
Which organisms are typically the first to colonize an area during primary succession?
Pioneer species, such as lichens and mosses, are typically the first organisms to colonize bare rock or soil in primary succession, facilitating soil formation (College Board CED).
- 04
How does secondary succession differ from primary succession?
Secondary succession differs from primary succession in that it occurs in areas where soil and some organisms already exist, allowing for a quicker recovery and reestablishment of the ecosystem (College Board CED).
- 05
What role do pioneer species play in ecological succession?
Pioneer species play a crucial role in ecological succession by initiating the process of soil formation and creating conditions suitable for other species to thrive (College Board CED).
- 06
What is a climax community?
A climax community is a stable and mature ecological community that has reached the final stage of succession, characterized by a diverse array of species and a complex structure (College Board CED).
- 07
Under what conditions does primary succession occur?
Primary succession occurs under conditions where there is no pre-existing soil, such as after volcanic eruptions, glacial retreats, or landslides (College Board CED).
- 08
What is the significance of disturbance in ecological succession?
Disturbances, such as fires or storms, can reset ecological succession, allowing for secondary succession to occur and promoting biodiversity by creating new habitats (College Board CED).
- 09
How often does secondary succession occur compared to primary succession?
Secondary succession generally occurs more rapidly than primary succession due to the presence of soil and residual organisms, often taking years to decades compared to centuries for primary succession (College Board CED).
- 10
What factors influence the rate of ecological succession?
The rate of ecological succession is influenced by factors such as climate, soil type, availability of seeds, and the nature of the disturbance (College Board CED).
- 11
What is the first step in primary succession?
The first step in primary succession is the colonization of bare rock by pioneer species, which begin to break down the rock and contribute to soil formation (College Board CED).
- 12
Which of the following best describes a pioneer community?
A pioneer community is characterized by the initial colonization of an area by hardy species that can survive harsh conditions and initiate ecological succession (College Board CED).
- 13
What is the typical sequence of species during secondary succession?
The typical sequence during secondary succession often starts with fast-growing herbaceous plants, followed by shrubs, and eventually leads to the establishment of trees (College Board CED).
- 14
How does soil development occur during primary succession?
Soil development during primary succession occurs as pioneer species die and decompose, adding organic matter to the substrate and facilitating the growth of subsequent plant species (College Board CED).
- 15
What ecological role do lichens play in primary succession?
Lichens play a vital ecological role in primary succession by breaking down rock surfaces and contributing to soil formation, enabling other plants to grow (College Board CED).
- 16
How does biodiversity change during ecological succession?
Biodiversity typically increases during ecological succession as more species establish themselves and interact within the ecosystem, leading to a more complex community structure (College Board CED).
- 17
What is the climax community for a temperate deciduous forest?
The climax community for a temperate deciduous forest is characterized by a diverse array of hardwood trees, such as oak and maple, along with various understory plants and animals (College Board CED).
- 18
What is a disturbance in the context of ecological succession?
A disturbance in ecological succession refers to an event that disrupts an ecosystem, such as fire, flooding, or human activities, leading to changes in species composition and community structure (College Board CED).
- 19
Which type of succession is likely to occur after a glacier retreats?
Primary succession is likely to occur after a glacier retreats, as it exposes bare rock and creates a new environment for colonization by pioneer species (College Board CED).
- 20
What is the role of fire in maintaining certain ecosystems?
Fire plays a critical role in maintaining certain ecosystems by promoting secondary succession, clearing out underbrush, and allowing for the growth of fire-adapted species (College Board CED).
- 21
How does climate affect ecological succession?
Climate affects ecological succession by influencing the types of species that can survive and thrive in an area, as well as the rate of succession itself (College Board CED).
- 22
What happens to species diversity during the climax stage of succession?
During the climax stage of succession, species diversity stabilizes as the ecosystem reaches a balance, although small fluctuations may still occur due to environmental changes (College Board CED).
- 23
What is the impact of invasive species on ecological succession?
Invasive species can disrupt ecological succession by outcompeting native species, altering habitats, and changing the dynamics of community interactions (College Board CED).
- 24
How does nutrient availability change during succession?
Nutrient availability typically increases during succession as organic matter accumulates and soil quality improves, supporting a wider variety of plant species (College Board CED).
- 25
What is the significance of soil in secondary succession?
Soil is significant in secondary succession as it provides the necessary nutrients and substrate for plants to regrow quickly after a disturbance (College Board CED).
- 26
What is a seral community?
A seral community is an intermediate stage in ecological succession that occurs between the pioneer community and the climax community, characterized by a specific set of species (College Board CED).
- 27
How does ecological succession relate to ecosystem stability?
Ecological succession contributes to ecosystem stability by promoting biodiversity and resilience, allowing ecosystems to recover from disturbances more effectively (College Board CED).
- 28
What type of succession follows a volcanic eruption?
Primary succession follows a volcanic eruption, as it creates new land surfaces devoid of soil, requiring the establishment of a new ecosystem from scratch (College Board CED).
- 29
How do human activities impact ecological succession?
Human activities, such as deforestation and urbanization, can significantly impact ecological succession by altering habitats, introducing invasive species, and disrupting natural processes (College Board CED).
- 30
What is the final stage of ecological succession called?
The final stage of ecological succession is called the climax community, where the ecosystem reaches a stable state with a diverse array of species (College Board CED).
- 31
What is the relationship between ecological succession and habitat fragmentation?
Habitat fragmentation can hinder ecological succession by isolating populations, reducing genetic diversity, and limiting species' ability to migrate and recolonize (College Board CED).
- 32
What is the effect of climate change on ecological succession?
Climate change can alter the patterns of ecological succession by shifting species distributions, changing growth rates, and affecting the frequency and intensity of disturbances (College Board CED).
- 33
How do herbivores influence plant succession?
Herbivores can influence plant succession by grazing on certain species, which can alter community dynamics and promote the growth of other plant species (College Board CED).
- 34
What is the importance of seed banks in ecological succession?
Seed banks are important in ecological succession as they provide a reservoir of seeds that can germinate and establish new plants after a disturbance (College Board CED).
- 35
What is the impact of soil erosion on succession?
Soil erosion can negatively impact succession by removing the nutrient-rich topsoil necessary for plant growth, delaying the recovery of the ecosystem (College Board CED).