Succession (AQA A-Level Biology): Flashcards
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What is succession?
What is succession?
Process describing change in species variety in an area over time
What are pioneer species?
What are pioneer species?
First organisms to colonise barren/inhospitable environments
Example pioneer species on bare rock
Example pioneer species on bare rock
Lichens
Key principle: How each succession stage affects the next
Key principle: How each succession stage affects the next
Creates conditions more favourable for next stage, less for itself
What is a climax community?
What is a climax community?
Stable assemblage of species remaining relatively unchanged over time
Typical climax community in lowland Britain
Typical climax community in lowland Britain
Deciduous oak woodland
What is primary succession?
What is primary succession?
Succession on previously uncolonised surfaces (e.g., bare rock)
What is secondary succession?
What is secondary succession?
Succession where communities previously existed but were disturbed
Secondary vs primary succession speed
Secondary vs primary succession speed
Secondary is 5-10 times faster than primary
Biodiversity pattern during succession
Biodiversity pattern during succession
Increases initially, peaks mid-succession, may decline at climax