Use transect and succession evidence to distinguish spatial and temporal change, explain soil and community development, and compare ecosystem resilience.
Figure:Salinity variation in the Large Ocean Management Area
Figure:Water-surface temperature variation across the LOMA
Figure:temperature scale
Suggest one reason for the zonation seen in Figure 5(b).
Figure:Beaver-dam succession sequence — panel A
Figure:Beaver-dam succession sequence — panel B
Figure:Beaver-dam succession sequence — panel C
Figure:Beaver-dam succession sequence — panel D
Suggest how an ecologist might measure the changes in one abiotic factor along a transect from a beaver marsh, through beaver meadow to the adjoining forest.
Figure:Stages of ecological succession after fire
Outline two reasons why the climax community in the succession model shown above is more stable than the intermediate community.
Distinguish between zonation and succession.
Outline two ways in which the food web is likely to change as a result of succession.
Outline two ways in which the soil quality in the pioneer stages of the succession model shown above will differ from that in the climax ecosystem.
Figure:Stages of ecological succession after fire
Distinguish between zonation and succession.
Identify four differences between a climax community and a pioneer community.
Figure:An example of a retreating glacier in the Swiss Alps, 1891 (left) and 2019 (right)
Figure:Average percent cover vegetation near a glacier
Describe the processes leading to the development of a pioneer community as the glacier retreats, as shown in Figures 4(c) and 4(d).
Figure 4(a): Fact file on giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) trees
Giant sequoias are legally protected in California. They are adapted to periodic fire; historically, wildfires have occurred in California every 6-35 years. They have thick bark up to 46 cm to protect the core from fire. Fire dries cones and releases seeds, while ash creates nutrient-rich soils. Seeds can also be released by the long-horned beetle, which lays eggs in cones; larvae eat the cone, releasing seeds.
Describe the process of succession after a wildfire has occurred in the forest.
Figure:Distribution of birch forest in Iceland in 874 and 2015
Figure:Soil erosion in Iceland in 2007
Figure:Stages of soil degradation and vegetation-cover change in Iceland
Figure:Known distribution of Nootka lupin in 2010
With reference to Figures: Distribution of birch forest in Iceland in 874 and 2015, Soil erosion in Iceland in 2007, Stages of soil degradation and vegetation-cover change in Iceland and Known distribution of Nootka lupin in 2010 identify two ways in which vegetation cover has changed over time in Iceland.
Figure:Stages of ecological succession after fire
Outline two reasons why the climax community in the succession model shown above is more stable than the intermediate community.