Ecological Succession and Community Dynamics

These flashcards cover key concepts related to ecological succession, species interactions, and community dynamics, preparing the student for their exam.

Ecological Succession

The predictable replacement of one group of species by another group of species over time.

Pioneer Species

A species that can colonize new areas rapidly and grow well in full sun.

Primary Succession

Occurs on surfaces that are initially devoid of soil, such as bare rock.

Disruptions leading to Primary Succession

Anthropogenic (human-made) events or natural events that expose bare surfaces for colonization.

Examples of Pioneer Species in Primary Succession

Algae, lichens, and moss.

Secondary Succession

Occurs in areas that have been disturbed but have not lost their soil.

Disruptions leading to Secondary Succession

Disturbances that alter an existing community without removing soil.

Examples of Natural Disruptions for Secondary Succession

Fires and hurricanes.

Pioneer Species in Secondary Succession

Aspens and cherry trees, which can colonize rapidly.

Shade-Tolerant Species

Plants that thrive in low-light conditions, often replacing pioneer species.

Aquatic Succession

The process of ecological succession occurring in aquatic environments.

Keystone Species

A species that plays a crucial role in its community beyond its mere abundance.

Ecosystem Engineer

A keystone species that creates or maintains habitat for others.

Bee Role in Ecosystem

Bees maintain plant populations and provide shelter.

Beaver Role in Ecosystem

Beavers alter environments through dam construction.

Elephant Role in Ecosystem

Elephants preserve grasslands by eating small trees.

Flagship Species

Iconic species used to raise awareness for conservation efforts.

Indicator Species

A plant or animal whose presence indicates specific environmental conditions.

Birds as Indicator Species

Decline in bird populations can indicate habitat destruction.

Trout as Indicator Species

The health of trout populations reflects water quality.

Lichen as Indicator Species

The presence of lichen indicates air quality.

Amphibians as Indicator Species

Presence of amphibians can indicate hormonal contaminants in water.

Invertebrates as Indicator Species

Invertebrate health indicates water quality.

Species Richness

The number and types of species present in a community.

Colonization of New Species

The influx of new species into an existing habitat.

Speciation

The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.

Extinction

The end of an organism or a group of organisms.

Factors Influencing Species Richness

Latitude, time, habitat size, and distance from other communities.

Latitude's Effect on Species Richness

Species richness decreases from the equator to the poles.

Time's Impact on Species Richness

Longer habitat existence allows for more colonization, speciation, and extinction.

Habitat Size and Species Richness

Larger habitats generally support more species.

Distance from Other Communities

Closer communities tend to share more species.

Theory of Island Biogeography

Explains how species richness is influenced by habitat size and distance.

Anthropogenic Disturbances

Human-induced events that disrupt ecosystems.

Natural Disturbances

Environmental events that occur in nature affecting ecosystems.

Role of Succession in Ecosystems

Succession helps restore balance and biodiversity after disturbances.

Community Dynamics

The interactions and changes within a community over time.

Pioneer Community

The initial biological community that arises during primary succession.

Climax Community

A stable, mature community that undergoes little change in species composition.

Soil Formation in Primary Succession

Occurs as pioneer species die and decompose, enriching the soil.

Role of Moss in Ecosystems

Moss assists in soil formation and water retention in primary succession.

Succession's Importance in Environmental Management

Understanding succession is critical for conserving and restoring ecosystems.

Community Structure

The composition and relative abundance of different species within a community.

Disturbance Regimes

Patterns of disturbances that significantly influence ecological succession.

Resilience in Ecological Systems

The ability of an ecosystem to recover after a disturbance.