What is ecological succession?
The process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.
Ecological succession can occur in stages and can be influenced by various environmental factors.
Define primary succession.
The development of a biological community in an area where no soil exists, such as after a volcanic eruption.
Primary succession starts on bare rock or substrate.
What is secondary succession?
The recovery of an ecological community after a disturbance that leaves the soil intact, such as after a forest fire.
Secondary succession typically occurs faster than primary succession.
What are pioneer species?
Species that first colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems.
Examples include lichens and mosses in primary succession.
What are seral stages?
The intermediate stages of ecological succession leading to a climax community.
Each seral stage has distinct species and community characteristics.
Define climax community.
A stable, mature community that undergoes little change in species composition.
Climax communities are often the final stage of ecological succession.
What is species richness?
The number of different species represented in a community.
Species richness does not account for the abundance of each species.
Define species evenness.
A measure of how equally the individuals in a community are distributed among the different species.
High evenness indicates a more balanced distribution of species.
What is genetic diversity?
The total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species.
Higher genetic diversity can increase resilience to environmental changes.
What is ecosystem diversity?
The variety of ecosystems in a given place.
Ecosystem diversity includes different habitats, communities, and ecological processes.
What are the important differences between primary and secondary succession?
Primary succession occurs on bare substrates without soil, while secondary succession occurs in areas where soil is present after a disturbance.
Secondary succession generally occurs more rapidly than primary succession.
How can biodiversity of two communities be compared?
By analyzing Species richness (R), Species evenness (E), and Shannon-Wiener Index (H) values.
These metrics provide a quantitative measure of biodiversity.
Give an example of primary succession.
Colonization of a volcanic island by lichens and mosses.
This process begins on bare rock after lava cools.
Provide an example of secondary succession.
Recovery of a forest after a wildfire.
Soil remains intact, allowing for faster recovery compared to primary succession.
One community has a species richness of 7, an evenness of 0.93, and a Shannon Wiener Index of 8, and the second community had a species richness of 5, an evenness of 0.88, and a Shannon Wiener Index of 6. Which one has a higher biodiversity?
The second community.
