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What is ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION?
Series of predictable changes in ecological communities following a disturbance
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SEQUENCE OF SUCCESSION
Place the cards in the correct sequence SECONDARY SUCCESSION OLD Colonization Colonization AUTOTROPHS HETEROTROPHS Shrubs Herbivores Carnivores DIVERSITY CLIMAX COMMUNITY Stabilization Stabilization AUTOTROPHS HETEROTROPHS Forests Herbivores – Carnivores- Omnivores DIVERSITY SECONDARY SUCCESSION Young Colonization Pioneer Organisms AUTOTROPHS HETEROTROPHS Grasses Herbivores DIVERSITY PRIMARY SUCCESSION Pioneer Organisms AUTOTROPHS No Heterotrophs Lichens DIVERSITY
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What events set primary succession in motion?
Occurs in an area with no remains of an older community. Can begin when a catastrophic event completely destroys an ecosystem(no soil left), when new land surfaces emerge, or when a depression becomes filled in with water for the first time. What are some examples of catastrophic events? VOLCANO
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What events set secondary succession in motion?
Occurs when a disturbance seriously disrupts an existing community, but does not destroy it. Unlike primary succession, soil is present at the start of secondary succession. May follow a natural disturbance such as a hurricane, or it may follow human activities such as logging.
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What processes cause succession to continue?
Both primary and secondary succession occur because every living organism changes its environment. Lichens, a pioneer species, release acids that break down rocks and helps form soil. A pioneer species is the first species to colonize a barren area.
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How does competition affect populations?
As ecological succession proceeds, population density increases, making the process of competition among organisms more intense. Eventually, competition can reduce the populations of early colonizers. As grassland gradually becomes forest, for example, tall trees may prevent sunlight from reaching the grasses.
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How do succession processes affect species diversity?
As succession takes place, processes such as soil formation may gradually increase species diversity. At some points in succession, the process of competition may decrease species diversity. In general, mature communities have higher species diversity than areas in earlier stages of succession.
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Match the Card to the Stage of Succession
Match the cards to the Stage of Succession AND determine whether the statements describe changes in autotrophs or heterotrophs
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Organisms & weathering break down rock to form foundation for soil
Some pioneer organisms die, adding organic material to the soil Autotrophs inhabit the ecosystem No heterotrophic organisms inhabit the ecosystem Pioneer species & weathering increase soil quality & quantity Conditions become favorable to support other plant species Seeds are brought in by wind & other means Pioneer species compete with prairie-type plants Animal species that feed on a diverse population of plants first appear Soil continues to build & mature with the addition of organic materials Pioneer species are replaced as the dominant organism by other species Competition among plant species occurs for resources Small shrubs & trees appear New species of animals appear, including those that feed on other animal species Competition among species of animals is prominent Diversity among plants provides stimulus for other types of animals to appear Ecosystem communities have reached their capacity to support species of organisms Forests replace other plant species as the dominant plant species The community is self-sustaining & mature unless a disturbance occurs
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Autotroph or Heterotroph
_____________________Succession Lichens & weathering break down rock to form foundation for soil Autotrophs (lichens) inhabit the ecosystem ____________________Succession No heterotrophic organisms in ecosystem Pioneer species (lichens) & weathering increase soil quality & quantity Conditions become favorable to support other plant species Seeds are brought in by wind & other means Grasses start to grow rather than lichens Herbivores appear Soil continues to build & mature Other species of plants begin to replace the pioneer species (lichens) Competition among plant species occurs Small shrubs & trees appear Herbivores still present Carnivores appear Competition among species of animals Diverse plants calls for many types of animals to appear Autotroph or Heterotroph _______________________________ Forests replace other plant species Ecosystem communities have reached their capacity to support species of organisms The community is self-sustaining & mature unless a disturbance occurs Primary Primary Secondary Young Secondary Young Secondary Old Secondary Old Climax Community
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I need to remember… Species living in an ecosystem gradually change over time, as do the physical & chemical environments within that ecosystem Succession takes place because organisms interact with one another in an ecosystem If left undisturbed, succession generally follows predictable stages: primary, secondary (young), secondary (old), climax community
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I need to remember… Autotrophs are the first pioneer species to inhabit an ecosystem in the primary stage; they create conditions that may be favorable to other autotrophs Heterotrophs follow autotrophs in the stages of succession – first herbivore heterotrophs and carnivores then carnivores and omnivores An ecosystem reaches stability when it becomes a climax community. In this stage it is stable, mature, self-sustaining, and has reached an ecological equilibrium
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What type of succession am I?
Volcano Wildfire Drought Hurricanes Disease Flood Insect Festation Primary Secondary Secondary Secondary Secondary Secondary Secondary
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What disturbances by humans could cause ecological succesion?
Are the following Examples Primary or Secondary Succession? Over hunting of animals- Nuclear Disaster- Deforestation-clearing or removal of a forest where land is converted to non forest for ex. parking lot- Growth of human populations- Secondary Primary Primary Secondary
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