Question

1. what are two things mentioned in the reading that can happen that might affect an ecosystem?
2. define ecological succession.
3. what is primary succession?
4. describe an example of primary succession.
5. what is a pioneer species?
6. how long might it take for an ecosystem to become balanced?
7. what happens when an ecosystem is in equilibrium?
8. define climax community.
9. name two things that can disrupt a community.
10. what is secondary succession?

Explanation:

1. Without the reading, cannot answer the first - question. For the rest:

• Ecological succession is the process by which the structure of a biological community evolves over time.
• Primary succession occurs in an area where no previous community existed, starting from bare rock or ground.
• An example of primary succession is the formation of a new island from volcanic activity, where lichens and mosses are among the first to colonize.
• A pioneer species is the first species to colonize a barren environment during primary succession.
• The time for an ecosystem to become balanced varies greatly, from decades to centuries or more depending on the type of ecosystem and disturbances.
• When an ecosystem is in equilibrium, the species and their populations remain relatively stable over time.
• A climax community is a stable and mature community that has reached a state of equilibrium and undergoes little change.
• Things that can disrupt a community include natural disasters like wild - fires and human activities like deforestation.
• Secondary succession occurs in an area where a community previously existed but was disturbed, and the soil is still intact.

Answer:

1. Cannot answer without reading.
2. The process by which the structure of a biological community evolves over time.
3. Occurs in an area where no previous community existed, starting from bare rock or ground.
4. Formation of a new island from volcanic activity with lichens and mosses as early colonizers.
5. The first species to colonize a barren environment during primary succession.
6. Varies from decades to centuries or more.
7. The species and their populations remain relatively stable over time.
8. A stable and mature community that has reached a state of equilibrium and undergoes little change.
9. Natural disasters (e.g., wild - fires) and human activities (e.g., deforestation).
10. Occurs in an area where a community previously existed but was disturbed, and the soil is still intact.