ESS 2.5 - Zonation, Succession, Change

zonation

change in vegetation community along an environmental gradient

altitude

elevation from sea level

latitude

angular distance from equator

stratification

vertical zones based on tree height

stratification zones

shrub, under canopy, canopy, emergents

tidal levels

regular increase and decrease of sea levels due to the moon’s gravitational pull

intertidal zone

area between high and low tides

deep oceans

affect light levels, pressure, temp.

soil horizons

layers within soil with different characteristics

transect

straight line/narrow section used for measurements and observations of factors

line transect

observations are made at specific intervals

belt transect

strip of habitat is marked, all organisms are recorded

kite diagram

number of animals or percentage cover against distance along a transect

ACFRO scale

classification system of the frequency of abundance of a species

succession

replacement of one community by another in an area overtime due to changes in biotic and abiotic factors

order of succession

disturbance, loss of vegetation, colonization, establishment, extinction

sere

stage in succession characterized by a group of plants/animals that temporarily dominate the system

climax community

seres merge into each other and species composition stops changing

primary succession

life colonizes an area that has not previously supported a community and starts with a pioneer species

early seral stages

soil develops and more plants grow and stabilize soil

intermediate seral stages

shrubs and small trees provide structure and habitat

secondary succession

result of a disturbance that removes existing vegetation and the pioneer species stabilizes soil

colonization stage

bare inorganic surface is colonized by a pioneer species

establishment stage

improved soil conditions and increase organic matter allow more plant species and microhabitats

competition stage

increase plant species density, higher competition for resources, development of complex root systems

stabilization stage

complex food webs and less new species as colonizers are established

climax community stage

stable and exists in a steady state equilibrium with maximum possible development