3. Reading Exercise Refer to Hong Kong Vegetation Ecology (Chinese Article) on P.6 and P.7 Circle all the vegetation mentioned

7. SUCCESSION IN HONG KONG Pioneer species More diverse than weed More diverse than scrubland

8. What is ecological succession? The repeated replacement by another usually more diverse community of organisms over a period of time

9. Model on Ecological Succession (Outside Hong Kong)

10. Types of Succession

11. Internal Changes during Succession Soil stabilization by pioneer species –bind soil particles by root action –prevent the rain splash action and wind erosion Soil stabilization by pioneer species Modification of Climatic Environment –HOW? Improvement of Soil Structure and SOM –HOW?

12. Microclimate Modification Light intensity temperature wind speed RH Interception by rainfall

13. Improvement of Soil Structure and SOM More litter -> more organic matter organic matter can: –hold more water –hold more nutrient –improve soil structure

14. Refer to P.12 Stages in Succession, complete the table for the dynamic changes within the ecosystem in the process of succession.

15. SUCCESSION IN HONG KONG Pioneer species More diverse than weed More diverse than scrubland

16. Would reversed succession take place? Yes retrogressive succession