Ecological Success

Khan Academy - Video with examples

Bio Libre Texts - Article overview

You can write out your answers using the pen on the top right-hand side. After you have answered each question, click the key below to check your answers.

Annual plants & lichens

Grasses, shrubs & shade-intolerant trees like pines

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lichens

Shade-tolerant trees like oak & hickory

Bare rock

Hundreds of years

Grasses & perennials

Pioneer species

intermediate species

Climax community

Shade-tolerant trees like oak & hickory

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FIRE

Annual plants & lichens

Grasses, shrubs & shade-intolerant trees like pines

Grasses & perennials

Bare soil

Pioneer species

intermediate species

Climax community

150+ years

5-150 years

1-2 years

3-4 years

0 years

Primary succession is starting with bare rock whereas secondary succession is starting with a soil layer already established. Primary succession as the lava will solidify to form bare rock.

Secondary succession as there is still a soil layer. Secondary succession occurs more rapidly as there is already a soil layer so it “skips” the part of primary succession where successive pioneer species create soil over a long time by breaking down mineral-rich lava and through cycles of life and death.