Ecological Succession Vocabulary

Front 1

Ecological Succession

Back 1

A series of predictable changes that occur in a community over time.

Front 2

Primary Succession

Back 2

A series of predictable changes that occur on land where no soil exists.

Front 3

Secondary Succession

Back 3

A series of predictable changes that occur when a disturbance destroys a community without destroying the soil.

Front 4

Pioneer species

Back 4

The first species to populate an area during primary succession.

Front 5

Ecosystem diversity

Back 5

Measures the variety of habitats, living communities, and ecological processes in the living world.

Front 6

Species diversity

Back 6

Measures the number of different species in the biosphere.

Front 7

Genetic diversity

Back 7

Measures the different number of genetic information carried by all organisms currently living on Earth.

Front 8

Habitat Fragmentation

Back 8

Splitting of ecosystems into small fragments that are unable to support large populations and communities of organisms.

Front 9

Deforestation

Back 9

The destruction of forests for human use.

Front 10

Pollution

Back 10

The addition of harmful material into the biosphere through land, air, or water. Pollutants can destroy ecosystems and communities.

Front 11

Agriculture

Back 11

The use of farming.

Front 12

Invasive species

Back 12

Organisms that have been introduced to ecosystems where they are not native.