Changes in Ecosystems: Ecological Succession

These flashcards cover key concepts related to ecological succession and the roles of different species within ecosystems.

Ecological Succession

The natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area over time.

Primary Succession

Begins in a place without any soil, involving the colonization of pioneer species such as lichens on bare rocks.

Secondary Succession

Occurs in areas that already have soil and were previously inhabited, often happening faster than primary succession.

Keystone Species

A species whose activities have a significant impact on community structure and ecosystem dynamics.

Indicator Species

A species that indicates the health or quality of an ecosystem based on its presence, abundance, or chemical composition.

Climax Community

A stable and mature ecological community that is the final stage of succession in a given environment.

Pioneer Species

Species that first colonize previously uninhabited areas, initiating the process of ecological succession.

Habitat Loss

The destruction or alteration of habitats, often leading to a decline in biodiversity and changes in ecosystem dynamics.

Nonnative Species

Species introduced to an ecosystem where they are not naturally found, which can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.

Pollinators

Organisms, such as bees, that facilitate the reproduction of plants by transferring pollen.