Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 5: Problem 11

Define the terms ecological succession and climax ecosystem. How do disturbances allow for ecological succession?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Ecological succession is a process that describes how a biological community changes structurally over time. A climax ecosystem is the final, balanced, and self-sustaining stage of this process. Disturbances create opportunities for different species to inhabit an area, triggering the process of succession that may eventually lead to a climax stage if the disturbance discontinues.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Ecological Succession

Ecological succession is the process that describes how the structure of a biological community (that is, an interacting group of various species in a desert, forest, grassland, marine environment, and so on) changes over time. The community begins with relatively few pioneering plants and animals and develops through increasing complexity until it becomes stable or self-perpetuating as a climax community.
02

Definition of Climax Ecosystem

A climax ecosystem is the final stage of ecological succession. This is the point at which the area is densely populated with a diverse range of species, and ecological equilibrium is achieved. The ecosystem is now balanced and self-sustaining, barring any significant disturbances.
03

The Role of Disturbances in Ecological Succession

Disturbances, such as fire, drought, human activity, or other environmental factors, can create disruptions and changes to the existing community of species. These disruptions make way for new organisms to inhabit the area, therefore, triggering the process of succession. Each disturbance stage allows for different species to become dominant, eventually leading to a climax stage if the disturbance is discontinued.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Name and describe the attributes of the two categories into which all organisms can be divided based on how they obtain nutrition.

Give four categories of consumers in an ecosystem and the role that each plays.

What is meant by ecosystem resilience? What can cause it to fail? How does this relate to environmental tipping points?

Describe how differences in climate cause Earth to be partitioned into major biomes.

Can ecosystems be restored? What has to happen for that to work?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

Sustainability

Read Explanation

Energy Resources

Read Explanation

Environmental Research

Read Explanation

Environmental Policy

Read Explanation

Biological Resources

Read Explanation

Ecology Research

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free