Ecology Lesson 5

What is the difference between primary and

secondary succession?

Do Now

Have you ever observed a vacant lot or an

untended garden over time? What changes

did you see?

Essential Question

What is the difference between primary and

secondary succession?

Vocabulary Succession The series of predictable

changes that occur in a community over time.

Primary succession

Series of changes that occur in an area where no soil or organism exist.

Pioneer species First species to grow in an area with little or no soil.

Secondary succession

Series of changes that occur in a area where the ecosystem has been disturbed, but soil and organisms still exist.

Assignment

1. Read pages 32-35.

2. Complete the diagram.

Summarization Activity

• What is primary Succession?

Do Now

• Review your diagrams from yesterday.

Definition Examples

StagesPrimary Succession

Definition

Series of changes that occur in an area where no soil or organism exist.

Examples

1. New islands formed by the eruption of volcanoes

2. Area of rock uncovered by melting sheets of ice

Stages

1. Volcanic eruption.

2. Pioneer species inhabit the land.

3. Soil is formed.

4. Fertile soil and maturing plants

Primary Succession

Definition Examples

StagesSecondary Succession

DefinitionSeries of changes that occur in a area where the ecosystem has been disturbed, but soil and organisms still exist.

Examples 1. Fires

2. Hurricanes

3. Tornadoes

4. Human activity- farming, logging, mining

Stages

1. Grasses and wildflowers take over field.

2. Pine seedlings and other plant replace grasses.

3. A forest develops

4. Mature trees

Secondary Succession

Assignment

• With a partner and using your diagrams, write an explanation to contrast primary and secondary succession.

Explanation student examples

Answer the essential question

What is the difference between primary and

secondary succession?

Homework

• Read Changes in the Communities.

• Complete explorer page 72-73. ..\..\Ecology\ecology\72-73.doc

Summarization Activity

• Complete explorer page 74.