115
12/9/2014
Ecological Succession
Starter:
Ecological Succession in a Garden
ON Next Slide
116
Ecological Succession
12/9/2014
Application/Connection/Exit:
Notes: Glue here when done
Connection:
Succession Concept Map
Practice:
What are some factors
that affect the
environment?
Exit:
Explain why secondary succession
is important to an ecosystem?
Notes: Glue here when
done
STARTER
A science class was awarded a grant to start a garden at
their middle school. The students chose an open area that was
covered with grass. The first step in preparing to plant their
garden was to remove the grass and till the soil. Once the
area was cleared the students ordered their vegetable seeds.
It took two weeks for the seeds to be delivered. After two
weeks the students went out to their cleared area to plant
their vegetable seeds. What do you think the students found
when they visited their area after two weeks? Circle the
answer that best matches your thinking.
Nothing has changed. The area looks the same as it did after
removing the grass.
The grass has grown back so it must be removed again.
Weeds have taken over the area and are thriving.
Which statement do you agree with?
December 9, 2014
AGENDA
Objective
TEKS 7.10C observe,
record, and describe the
role of ecological
succession such as in a
microhabitat of a garden
with weeds by completing
notes and concept map.
1 Starter
2.Notes
3.Map
Table of Contents
Date
12/1
12/2
12/3
12/4
12/5
12/8
12/9
Lecture/ Activity/ Lab
Biomes Video
Biodiversity Lab
Biodiversity Reading
Biome Biodiversity Poster
Biodiversity Writing
Island Rat
Ecological Succession
Page
103-104
105-106
107-108
109-110
111-112
113-114
115-116
Ecological
Succession
Notes
The environment is
constantly changing
as a result of
weather or the
activities of humans
& other organisms.
These changes can
naturally happen slowly
over time or quickly as a
result of natural disasters
or catastrophic events.
A community of
organisms that occupy
an area is also
constantly changing
and result in longterm changes in an
ecosystem.
All of these changes
that occur in an
ecosystem over time
result in ecological
succession.
Primary succession
occurs in an area
where no
ecosystem existed.
Examples: after a
volcanic eruption or bare
rock under a glacier.
The first species to
populate an area during
primary succession,
called pioneer species…
…are usually mosses or
lichens which are able to
grow on bare rock… release
acids that begin to break
down rock to create soil.
As colonies of grasses &
ferns are established,
small animals will move
into the area that feed
on the plants.
Larger animals can
then move in & feed
on the smaller
animals.
More soil is
formed that can
support larger
plants like
shrubs which
can provide new
habitats for
more animals.
More soil continues to form
& become richer & deeper
so that trees can now be
supported & the community
continues to grow.
Given enough time and
the right conditions,
primary succession may
lead to a community in
equilibrium that will not
change drastically unless
the ecosystem is
disturbed.
This type of
community is
known as a climax
or mature
community.
Secondary succession
occurs after a disturbance
in an existing ecosystem
where soil is already
established so weeds and
grasses can start to grow
immediately.
Examples: after
forest fires,
tornadoes, hurricanes,
floods, etc…
Secondary succession occurs
more rapidly than primary
succession to restore the
ecosystem to a state of
equilibrium that can be
maintained over time.
Stages of primary
succession: (forest)
bare rock=> mosses /
lichens => grasses &
ferns=> bushes &
shrubs=> trees (young
forest) => mature forest
(climax community)
Stages of primary
succession
mosses
&
lichens
bare
rock
grasses
& ferns
bushes
&
shrubs
treesyoung
forest
Time
mature
forest=>
climax
community
Stages of secondary
succession: (forest)
weeds=> grasses &
ferns=> bushes &
shrubs=> trees (young
forest) => mature
forest (climax
community)
Stages of
secondary
succession
weeds
grasses
& ferns
bushes
&
shrubs
trees- young
forest
mature
forest=>
climax
community
Time
115
12/9/2014
Ecological Succession
Starter:
Ecological Succession in a Garden
ON Next Slide
116
Ecological Succession
12/9/2014
Application/Connection/Exit:
Notes: Glue here when done
Connection:
Succession Concept Map
Practice:
What are some factors
that affect the
environment?
Exit:
Explain why secondary succession
is important to an ecosystem?
Notes: Glue here when
done