Succession 1 Specification point: 3.4.7: Ecosystems are dynamic systems usually moving from colonisation to climax communities in the process of Succession. -Describe changes that occur in the variety of organisms over time in an area -Explain what are meant by the terms pioneer species, climax communities and succession and map this to a succession diagram

Task 1: Time travel game Look at these different situations: Take your paper and analyse each period in time for the same area. For each time-zone: 1.Look at and identify what kinds of organisms are present. 2.Map out a timeline for this ecosystem, In each part of the timeline: 1.List the organisms present 2.describe the variety of living things in each time zone (Words to use – large variety/small variety, many different organisms, simple organisms, complex organisms). Outcomes: Describe changes that occur in the variety of organisms over time in an area Explain what are meant by the terms pioneer species, climax communities and succession and map this to a succession diagram

So Ecosystems are said to be dynamic. What does this mean then? That an ecosystem is easy to change and highly changeable. Can you suggest an explanation for how has the change in ecosystems happened? What could have made these changes? Previous organisms have changed the abiotic conditions to allow more complex organisms to occupy the area. Outcomes: Describe changes that occur in the variety of organisms over time in an area Explain what are meant by the terms pioneer species, climax communities and succession and map this to a succession diagram

Task 2: Add to the timeline: Find out the meanings of these terms and stick them on the post-it note onto your timeline where you think it should go: Pioneer species First species to occupy an area (can usually survive harsh conditions) Climax community Community of organism that live in the area after conditions have changed has taken place. Succession The process of change in variety of living things occupying an area. Outcomes: Describe changes that occur in the variety of organisms over time in an area Explain what are meant by the terms pioneer species, climax communities and succession and map this to a succession diagram

Task 3: Split the information into 4 stages. For each of these stages of succession: 1.Write the name of starting species 2.What kind of environment before starting species 3.How the starting species changed the conditions 4.What the finishing species are. Extension: Name the pioneer species and the organisms in the climax community. Outcomes: Describe changes that occur in the variety of organisms over time in an area Explain what are meant by the terms pioneer species, climax communities and succession and map this to a succession diagram

Plenary – Exam Question Outcomes: Describe changes that occur in the variety of organisms over time in an area Explain what are meant by the terms pioneer species, climax communities and succession and map this to a succession diagram

Year 1AD Bare land/beach: 3 species of Algae present in the sand

Year 300AD Beach/sandy later on -10 species of algae growing -2 species of grass growing -3 shrub species growing

Year 1600 AD Grassy/shrub area: -10 species of grass growing -Only 2 species of algae in the soil -9 species of shrubs growing.

Year 2015 AD Woodland -24 species of tree -18 species of shrub/bush -Less grassy area.