D4.2 Succession (HL)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to ecological succession, including its types, driving factors, and stages.

Ecological Succession

The gradual change in community structure and species composition of an ecosystem over time.

Primary Succession

Succession that begins on new land with no established soil, leading from pioneer species to a climax community.

Secondary Succession

Replacement of one community by another on pre-existing soil following a disturbance such as fire or flood.

Cyclical Succession

A repeating, regular replacement of species in a community driven by routine factors like seasons or competition.

Arrested Succession

Human-induced interruption of succession that prevents a climax community from forming.

Pioneer Species

Hardy organisms (e.g., lichens, mosses) that first colonize bare substrates and initiate soil formation.

Intermediate Species

Plants that colonize after pioneers, increasing soil depth, nutrients, and complexity before climax species dominate.

Climax Community

The stable, final stage of succession that reflects local climate; not always the most biodiverse.

Abiotic Factors (Succession)

Non-living triggers of succession such as wind, fire, floods, and erosion.

Biotic Factors (Succession)

Living influences on succession like aggregation, competition, and species migration.

Primary Productivity

Rate at which producers create biomass; rises as succession proceeds toward climax.

Nutrient Cycling

Movement and reuse of nutrients within an ecosystem, enhanced by increasing plant litter during succession.

Root Action

Process by which plant roots break down rock, improving soil aeration and water retention.

Humus

Decomposed organic material added to soil by dead plants, boosting fertility and altering pH.

Dynamic Ecosystem

An ecosystem in constant flux where species composition and interactions change over time.

Creosote Bush–Christmas Cactus Cycle

Example of cyclical succession where creosote bushes facilitate cactus growth, then both die, reopening space.

Climatic Climax Type

Specific climax community (e.g., rainforest, grassland) determined by regional climate conditions.

Natural Disturbance

Environmental event (e.g., wildfire) that removes an existing community and initiates secondary succession.