Ecological succession is the process that shapes ecological communities over short or long periods of time. The model below represents a community undergoing ecological succession:
- Use the model to identify the following:
- Describe the type of succession pictured in the diagram.
- Identify the numbered sections that include the intermediate species.
- Identify the pioneer species pictured in the diagram. Explain its role in early succession.
- Factors that affect ecological succession:
- The boreal and sub-boreal forests of Alaska are warming approximately twice as fast the global average, and this warming is the likely cause of increased frequency of wildfires in boreal forests. Describe how shorter intervals between fires will affect ecological succession in these forests.
- The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (YKD) encompasses the southernmost, warmest parts of the Arctic tundra biome and is renowned for its high biological productivity and large subsistence-based human population. Recent and rapidly-occurring environmental changes in this region include significant winter and spring warming, decreased sea ice extent, loss of snow cover, warming permafrost, and recurrent tundra fires. Describe the type(s) of ecological succession that will occur in this region.
