Communities

Factors What are some abiotic factors that limit plant growth? What are some biotic factors that limit plant growth?

Factors What are some abiotic factors that limit plant growth? o Water temperature, nutrients What are some biotic factors that limit plant growth? o Population density and life span of herbivores

Limiting Factors and Range of Tolerance Limiting Factors – abiotic or biotic factors that restricts the number, distribution or reproduction of organisms Range of Tolerance – upper and lower limits that define the conditions in which an organism can survive

Succession Succession: Changing Land, Changing Wildlife –To an ecologist, the term succession refers to the predictable changes that occur in the plants and animals that live in an area over time. Pioneer species - a species which are first to live on previously uncolonized land. – Example: Field - grasses

Succession Primary succession - the series of community changes which occur on an entirely new habitat which has never been colonized before. –NO SOIL –Example: Lava flow Secondary succession is the series of community changes which take place on a previously colonized, but disturbed or damaged habitat. –Examples: pond, fire ecosystems (Pine Barrens)

Primary Succession Example Coastal Sand Dunes

Secondary Succession Example Old Field

Secondary Succession Example NJ Pine Barrens