2. By the end of section 3.1 you should be able to understand the following:  Over time, and many generations, organisms change along with the biotic and abiotic factors in their environments through the process of natural selection.  In natural selection, the best-adapted members of a species survive, grow strong and reproduce more easily than the rest of that species.  In ecosystems, ecological succession (primary succession and secondary succession) also occurs, as changes tend to favour certain ecological conditions over others as an ecosystem matures.

3. Natural selection process where individuals with advantages are better able to reproduce and pass along their traits.

4. Example: The Finches of the Galapagos Islands (off the coast of Ecuador) There are 13 species of finches on the island… http://science.discovery.com/videos/100- greatest-discoveries-shorts-natural- selection.html

5. All the species are descended from one finch species on the mainland. Each species has unique characteristics that allows them to thrive in their own niche, and not compete with other finches for resources. Adaptive radiation a form of natural selection when many different species appear from one original species.

6. Ecological Succession ( Changes to the biotic characteristics in an area ) Primary Succession Secondary Succession Life Without People

7. Starts with bare rock. Wind carries spores of lichens that can survive on bare rock. Weathering breaks down rock - soil begins to form

8. Pioneer Species are the first organisms to survive and reproduce. e.g. Lichens and mosses Pioneer species make/improve soil other plants can grow animals appear form a mature community (stable and change slowly)

9. p. 112,113

10. when an area already has soil, but has had a disturbance like a forest fire or clearcut. Happens more quickly than primary because there are already seeds, insects, worms, etc. in the soil.

11. Flooding Leads to soil erosion, spread of pollutants and harmful bacteria associated with sewage Climate change and global warming may be increasing incidents of flooding. A tsunami occurs when huge waves from large earthquakes, flood coastal areas.

12. Drought Insect infestation - Most insects are helpful, but when normal conditions change, infestations can occur. - Example: Mountain Pine Beetle: Usually it is not a problem…it helps remove old trees, but….

13. In our forests there are … a lot of old trees, the climate is warming, and the bugs are not dying in the winter. Pine beetle has blue stain fungus in its mouthparts, which it transmits to the trees (symbiotic relationship). Fungus slows down resin production on trees so the beetle can eat the tree more easily.