Ecology 3 Successions, Microbes and Cycles

Successions A succession is a series of steps that occur in an ecosystem over time Ecosystems use successions to respond to changes and damages from natural disasters or human activity. Terrestrial Successions: Occur on land Aquatic Successions: Occur in bodies of water

Successions

Terrestrial Successions There are 2 types of terrestrial successions: Primary Successions: Longer, and occur when there is no life, only bare rock – Volcanic Eruptions – New Island Formation Secondary Successions: Shorter, and occur when soil is present, but everything else is destroyed – Wildfires – Flood – Bulldozer

Terrestrial Successions PRIMARY SECONDARY

Terrestrial Successions Pioneer Species is the first species to live on bare rock in a primary succession -Lichens and mosses Climax Community is the stable community of plants that develop over time in an ecosystem, it is the end result of succession

Terrestrial Successions

Aquatic Successions Aquatic Succession occurs when bodies of water eventually turn into land due to the buildup of sediment at the bottom of the water over time.

Microorganisms in Ecology Microorganisms are tiny living organisms that include bacteria, fungus, algae, protozoa, and viruses They tend to get a bad reputation, but most are actually very good for organisms and the environment. They are NOT ALL PATHOGENIC!

Microorganisms in Ecology Some examples of how microorganisms are beneficial include: Bacteria helping us digest food Bacteria and fungus that help decompose and recycle nutrients Bacteria that are modified to create insulin Fungus that can help break down oil after oil spills Bacteria help fix Nitrogen from the atmosphere so plants can use it

Adaptations Organisms evolve and develop adaptations over time to help them survive in their specific environment Migration/hibernation in cold environments Thick fur to stay warm Color changes to help camouflage based on environment Formation of plant spines instead of leaves to help conserve water

Carbon Cycle Carbon is the key ingredient for living things Human activity such as burning of oils/fuels as well as deforestation disrupt the carbon cycle causing an increase in greenhouse gases

Nitrogen Cycle Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in our atmosphere, it is a critical component for building proteins (primarily in plants)

Review Which type of succession would you expect to see after a volcanic eruption? PRIMARY SUCCESSION!

Review Which type of succession takes longer? PRIMARY SUCCESSION!

Review What eventually happens to ponds over time? What is this called? They turn into land which is called aquatic succession!

Review What is the first species that lives on bare rock called? Pioneer Species (lichen and moss)

Review What is a climax community? The stable community of plants that form in an ecosystem over time

Critical Write Describe how primary succession is related to life forming after the dinosaurs were destroyed.