Question

summary questions

1. thinking about the events on the cards, give one example of a primary succession event?
2. looking back at the primary succession event you wrote in question 1, how did it affect the species in this game?
3. thinking about the events on the cards, give one example of a secondary succession event?
4. looking back at the secondary succession event you wrote in question 3, how did it affect the species in this game?
5. what species were most successful in this game and would have made it to become the climax community?
6. thinking about the events on the cards, what is one abiotic factor that affected a species in the game? what did it do?
7. thinking about the events on the cards, what is one biotic factor that affected a species in the game? what did it do?

Explanation:

1. An example of primary succession could be the formation of a new island from a volcanic eruption. This creates a brand - new habitat with no pre - existing soil or organisms.
2. The primary succession event would initially provide a very harsh environment for species. As pioneer species like lichens and mosses colonize, they start to break down rocks and form soil, which allows other plant species to eventually establish, changing the available resources and habitats for other organisms in the game.
3. An example of secondary succession could be a forest fire that burns down a large area of a forest. The area still has soil and some remaining seeds or plant parts in the soil.
4. After a forest fire (secondary succession event), some species may be negatively affected if they are not fire - adapted, while fire - adapted species may thrive. It also creates open spaces that can be colonized by different plant species, changing the competition for resources among species in the game.
5. The most successful species would likely be those that are well - adapted to the local environment, have a wide range of resources they can utilize, and can out - compete other species. For example, in a forest ecosystem, large trees that can access a lot of sunlight, water, and nutrients might become part of the climax community.
6. An abiotic factor could be a drought. It would reduce the amount of available water for species, causing plants to wilt and die if they are not drought - tolerant, and animals that depend on those plants for food and water would also be affected.
7. A biotic factor could be the presence of a predator. For example, if there are wolves preying on deer in the game, it would control the deer population, which in turn affects the plant species that the deer feed on, as well as other species that interact with the deer in the ecosystem.

Answer:

1. Formation of a new island from volcanic eruption.
2. Initially harsh, pioneer species start soil - building, changing habitats.
3. A forest fire in a forest area.
4. Some species affected negatively, creates new opportunities for others.
5. Species well - adapted to local environment, e.g., large trees in forest.
6. Drought; reduces water availability, harms plants and animals.
7. Presence of a predator; controls prey population, affects ecosystem.