Ecology Succession

POINT > Describe primary succession in ecosystems POINT > Describe secondary succession in ecosystems POINT > Define a climax community

But first, WB CHECK: Bees help flowers reproduce by spreading pollen. The bees benefit by getting energy-rich pollen and nectar. What type of symbiosis is this? Triggerfish move large rocks on the seafloor to find food. Smaller fish, which could not move the rocks, benefit by getting new feeding opportunities. What type of symbiosis is this? What type of symbiosis occurs when you get a mosquito bite?

POINT > Describe succession in ecosystems Succession is a series of relatively predictable changes that occur in an ecosystem over time Succession occurs after ecological disturbances or as some species die and others replace them Review the prefixes “bio” and “a.” Review “habitat” if needed. Examples of biotic factors: moose, shrubs, humans, dogs, flowers etc. Examples of abiotic factors: water, soil, rocks, air, etc.

What is one reason succession occurs? WB CHECK: What is one reason succession occurs?

POINT > Describe primary succession in ecosystems Primary succession occurs after a major ecological disruption in an area with no remnants of an older community (Ex. volcanic eruptions, retreating glaciers) Review the prefixes “bio” and “a.” Review “habitat” if needed. Examples of biotic factors: moose, shrubs, humans, dogs, flowers etc. Examples of abiotic factors: water, soil, rocks, air, etc.

POINT > Describe succession in ecosystems Primary succession begins in an area with no remnants of an older community Pioneer species: The first species to colonize lifeless areas ex. lichen Review the prefixes “bio” and “a.” Review “habitat” if needed. Examples of biotic factors: moose, shrubs, humans, dogs, flowers etc. Examples of abiotic factors: water, soil, rocks, air, etc.

POINT > Describe secondary succession in ecosystems Secondary succession occurs when a disturbance disrupts an ecosystem without totally destroying it Seeds and root systems may still be present Ex. after wildfire, hurricane, flood, etc Review the prefixes “bio” and “a.” Review “habitat” if needed. Examples of biotic factors: moose, shrubs, humans, dogs, flowers etc. Examples of abiotic factors: water, soil, rocks, air, etc.

POINT > Describe secondary succession in ecosystems Secondary succession proceeds faster than primary succession because the soil and some species survive the disturbance Review the prefixes “bio” and “a.” Review “habitat” if needed. Examples of biotic factors: moose, shrubs, humans, dogs, flowers etc. Examples of abiotic factors: water, soil, rocks, air, etc.

POINT > Describe secondary succession in ecosystems Succession occurs as one organism alters the environment, and allows other species to compete for resources For example, new grasses grow after a fire. This allows herbivores to move into the area and survive Review the prefixes “bio” and “a.” Review “habitat” if needed. Examples of biotic factors: moose, shrubs, humans, dogs, flowers etc. Examples of abiotic factors: water, soil, rocks, air, etc.

WB CHECK: What is a pioneer species? What type of succession would you expect after a tsunami? Why is secondary succession faster?

WB CHECK: What is the difference between primary and secondary succession? Secondary succession takes longer to occur Secondary succession occurs when remnants of the original ecosystem are still in place Secondary succession occurs after an ecosystem has been completely destroyed

POINT > Define a climax community A climax community is the end result of ecological succession, and can be very stable The climax community is likely much more complex relative to that earlier in succession Review the prefixes “bio” and “a.” Review “habitat” if needed. Examples of biotic factors: moose, shrubs, humans, dogs, flowers etc. Examples of abiotic factors: water, soil, rocks, air, etc.

POINT > Define a climax community After natural disasters ecosystems often recover to the original climax community After human disruption (like farming) ecosystems may or may not fully recover, depending on the extent of damage Review the prefixes “bio” and “a.” Review “habitat” if needed. Examples of biotic factors: moose, shrubs, humans, dogs, flowers etc. Examples of abiotic factors: water, soil, rocks, air, etc.

WB CHECK: A climax community: changes rapidly as the ecosystem changes is dominated by pioneer species only occurs after primary succession can be a stable, long term ecosystem

Homework: Read pages 106-109 Assess page 109 #1-2 Workbook Pages 353-4 (if not completed), 363-366 Finish Exam 1 Study Guide!