changes in ecosystems: ecological succession. definition: succession: natural, gradual changes in...

15
Changes in Ecosystems: Ecological Succession

Upload: edgar-cox

Post on 17-Jan-2016

218 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Changes in Ecosystems: Ecological Succession. Definition: Succession: Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area; can be primary

Changes in Ecosystems:Ecological Succession

Page 2: Changes in Ecosystems: Ecological Succession. Definition: Succession: Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area; can be primary

Definition:

• Succession: Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area; can be primary or secondary

• The gradual replacement of one plant community by another through natural processes over time

Page 3: Changes in Ecosystems: Ecological Succession. Definition: Succession: Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area; can be primary

Primary Succession

• Begins in a place without any soil – Sides of volcanoes– After Landslides– After Flooding

• Starts with the arrival of living things such as lichens that do not need soil to survive

• Called PIONEER SPECIES

Page 4: Changes in Ecosystems: Ecological Succession. Definition: Succession: Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area; can be primary

http://botit.botany.wisc.edu

http://www.saguaro-juniper.com/

Page 5: Changes in Ecosystems: Ecological Succession. Definition: Succession: Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area; can be primary

Primary Succession

• Soil starts to form as lichens and the forces of weather (wind and precipitation) and erosion help break down rocks into smaller pieces

• When lichens die, they decompose, adding small amounts of organic matter to the rock to make soil

Page 6: Changes in Ecosystems: Ecological Succession. Definition: Succession: Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area; can be primary

http://www.life.uiuc.edu

Page 7: Changes in Ecosystems: Ecological Succession. Definition: Succession: Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area; can be primary

Primary Succession

• Simple plants like mosses and ferns can grow in the new soil

http://uisstc.georgetown.edu

http://www.uncw.edu

Page 8: Changes in Ecosystems: Ecological Succession. Definition: Succession: Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area; can be primary

Primary Succession

• The simple plants die, adding more organic material

• The soil layer thickens, and grasses, wildflowers, and other plants begin to take over

http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu

Page 9: Changes in Ecosystems: Ecological Succession. Definition: Succession: Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area; can be primary

Primary Succession

• These plants die, and they add more nutrients to the soil

• Shrubs and tress can survive now

http://www.rowan.edu

Page 10: Changes in Ecosystems: Ecological Succession. Definition: Succession: Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area; can be primary

Primary Succession

• Insects, small birds, and mammals have begun to move in

• What was once bare rock now supports a variety of life

http://p2-raw.greenpeace.org

Page 11: Changes in Ecosystems: Ecological Succession. Definition: Succession: Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area; can be primary

Secondary Succession

• Begins in a place that already has soil and was once the home of living organisms

• Occurs faster and has different pioneer species than primary succession

• Example: after forest fires or extensive logging

Page 12: Changes in Ecosystems: Ecological Succession. Definition: Succession: Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area; can be primary

http://www.geo.arizona.edu

Page 13: Changes in Ecosystems: Ecological Succession. Definition: Succession: Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area; can be primary

http://www.ux1.eiu.edu

Page 14: Changes in Ecosystems: Ecological Succession. Definition: Succession: Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area; can be primary

http://www.agen.ufl.edu

Page 15: Changes in Ecosystems: Ecological Succession. Definition: Succession: Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area; can be primary

Climax Community

• A stable group of plants and animals that is the end result of the succession process

• It is dynamic, meaning that although stable, it is constantly changing with the climate

• Climax does not always mean big trees– Grasses in prairies– Cacti in deserts