Glencoe Biology - Rochester Community Schools

Chapter 3 Communities, Biomes, and Ecosystems 3.1 Community Ecology

Communities A community is a group of interacting

populations that occupy the same area at the same time.

Oasis Chapter 3 Communities, Biomes, and Ecosystems

3.1 Community Ecology Ecological Succession ecological succession: is the gradual

replacement of one community with another as a result of changing abiotic and biotic factors. There are two types of ecological succession primary succession and secondary

succession. Primary succession always occurs first! Primary Succession: when a new substrate (rock), devoid of topsoil or vegetation, is

deposited and colonized Begins with bare rock exposed by geological activity Pioneer species appear next

Pioneer species: species which colonize previously uncolonized land Ex. Lichen and grasses Example:

Forest Succession Rock Grass Shrubs Open woods Dense woods Primary Succession

Lava Rock Lichen or Grass Grasses and Shrubs

Open Woods Dense Woods Stable Community

Chapter 3 Communities, Biomes, and Ecosystems 3.1 Community Ecology

A community that forms in an area of exposed rock that does not have any topsoil is primary succession. Animal succession always follows plant succession

Example: Flora (vegetation): Grass Shrubs Woods Fauna (animals):

Pheasant Grouse Fox Bog in Minnesota Later Succession of Bog

Climax Community: The stable, mature community that results from little change in composition of species. What does Michigans climax community

look like? Secondary Succession: occurs after a community has been removed but the soil remains intact

May occur at any point after primary succession Usually occurs after man or nature has changed the community

Example: farming, fire, flood, windstorm Fire New Growth After Fire

Gopher Tortoise