Interpreting Data on Primary Succession

button

Primary succession is the process by which an ecosystem develops in an area where no biological community previously existed. This typically occurs in environments devoid of soil, such as areas following volcanic eruptions, glacial retreats, or landslides. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of primary succession:

  1. Bare Substrate: The process begins with a lifeless area that lacks soil, such as bare rock.

  2. Pioneer Species: The first organisms to colonize the area are called pioneer species. These are typically hardy species like lichens and certain types of algae or mosses that can survive in harsh conditions and begin the process of soil formation.

  3. Soil Formation: As pioneer species grow and die, they contribute organic material that mixes with weathered rock particles to form the initial soil. This allows other, less hardy species to take root.

  4. Intermediate Species: As soil quality improves, larger plants like grasses, ferns, and shrubs can establish themselves. These plants further modify the environment, enriching the soil with organic matter as they decompose.

  5. Climax Community: Over time, the ecosystem supports more complex plants, such as trees, leading to the development of a mature, stable community known as the climax community. This community is characterized by a diverse array of plant and animal species and remains relatively stable until disrupted by a disturbance.

primary succession

Examine the Graphic Below

succession data

1. Which organisms would be pioneer species?

2. What types of plants are intermediate species?

3. What happens to the soil depth over time?

4. What happens to the nitrogen (soil N) levels in the soil over time?

5. What happens to the soil pH over time?

6. What type of trees are present in the climax community?

Related Resources

Lesson of the Kaibab – Graph deer population after a catastrophic population decline

Exploring Limiting Factors and Carrying Capacity – read ecology scenarios and identify density dependent and density independent factors

Symbiosis and Energy Use – examine several graphs and determine the type of relationship indicated (commensalism, parasitism, mutualism)

Interpreting Ecological Data – graphs and data tables

Investigation – What Organisms Are Found in Pond Water? – students examine pond water under a microscope and use field guides to identify organisms