Course review
Review each learning objective in this topic, then open its concept explanation or question set.
Learning objective
• Changes in community along environmental gradient • Factors: elevation, latitude, tidal level, soil, distance from water
Start with the concept explanation, then practise to create mastery evidence.
Learning objective
• Measure biotic and abiotic factors along gradient • Determine variables affecting species distribution
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Learning objective
• Replacement of one community by another over time • Due to biotic and abiotic variable changes • Zonation: spatial; succession: temporal
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Learning objective
• Each sere changes conditions for next community • Competition until stable climax community reached • Example: mosses → soil formation → larger plants
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Learning objective
• On newly formed substratum without soil • Examples: volcanic rock, retreating glaciers, wind-blown sand
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Learning objective
• On bare soil with pre-existing community • Examples: abandoned agriculture, post-fire forest
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Learning objective
• Energy flow, productivity, species diversity, soil depth, nutrient cycling
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Learning objective
• Depends on diversity and resilience • Succession increases diversity → resilience and stability
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Learning objective
• Climatic factors, bedrock, soil properties, geomorphology • Fire, weather events • Top-down influences from consumers (e.g., wolves, elephants)
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Learning objective
• Early stages: low GP, high NP (biomass accumulating) • Later stages: high GP, NP approaches zero (balanced respiration)
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Learning objective
• r-strategists: many offspring, pioneer communities • K-strategists: few offspring, climax communities
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Learning objective
• Challenged and uncertain • Alternative stable states due to random events
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Learning objective
• Human activity diverts succession progression • Examples: removal of carnivores, domesticated livestock grazing
Start with the concept explanation, then practise to create mastery evidence.