Succession Succession InvestigationInvestigation

Initial Thoughts:Initial Thoughts:

Q: Describe how an ecosystem might change over a short period of time (less than 5 years).A:

Q: Describe how an ecosystem might change over a long period of time (more than 50 years).A:

Succession ActivitySuccession ActivityFollow the directions on the

handout… RECORD ALL ANSWERS IN YOUR NOTEBOOK.

Port Port Washington, Washington, WisconsinWisconsin

SUCCESSION NOTESSUCCESSION NOTES

A progression of a species replacement as the habitat changes is called Ecological Succession.

Ecosystems change over Ecosystems change over timetime

Primary Succession -Primary Succession -When a community

arises in a lifeless area that has no soil.

Examples:New islands created by volcanic eruptionsBare rock left behind a retreating glacier

The first organisms to live in a new habitat tend to be small, fast-growing plants called Pioneer Species.

They make the ground more hospitable for other species.

Secondary Succession Secondary Succession --When a disturbance damages an existing

community but leaves the soil intact.

Example:A forested area that has been cleared for farming then abandoned

Introduced Species are organisms that humans move from the species’ native locations to a new geographic area.◦Many are ill-suited to their new environment

and don’t survive to reproduce.◦Others disrupt their new community by

preying on native species or by outcompeting native species.

Cane Toad Red Fox

WDYTN?WDYTN?Remember the oil spill that happened in

the Gulf last year? Since then the aquatic environment has had to repair itself.

Is this an example of primary or secondary succession? How do you know? Provide evidence or facts to support your opinion.

What other types of changes would you expect to see in that ecosystem over the next few years?

Homework:◦Research a Florida introduced species. ◦Discover where the species is originally

from, how it got here, and what affect it has had on the ecosystem.

◦Describe the succession that particular ecosystem might have had, if that species had never been introduced… any significant differences?

◦Provide source where this information was found

◦Yahooanswers, ask.com, etc are NOT reputable scientific websites!