AP Biology : Understand differences between primary and secondary succession
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology
All AP Biology Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Understand Differences Between Primary And Secondary Succession
Where does primary succession occur?
A currently inhabited environment
None of these
A previously inhabited environment
An environment lacking plant and animal life
An environment lacking plant and animal life
Primary succession is the colonizing of a new environment that lacks organisms and plant life. Primary succession is different from secondary succession; secondary succession is the colonizing of an environment that once supported life but was abandoned due to an ecological disturbance. An example of this is the colonizing of new land formed by lava flow.
Example Question #1 : Understand Differences Between Primary And Secondary Succession
Which of the following best describes when secondary succession occurs?
A previously inhabited environment
All of these
An environment lacking plant and animal life
A currently inhabited environment
A previously inhabited environment
Secondary succession can be described as the colonization of a habitat that once supported plant and animal life but was abandoned due to ecological disturbance. Types of ecological disturbances such as hurricanes and floods can empty a habitat.
Example Question #1 : Understand Differences Between Primary And Secondary Succession
Which type of succession would be likely to occur in an area that has recently experienced a wildfire?
Secondary succession
Primary succession
Revitalization
Pioneering succession
Secondary succession
Primary succession occurs in an environment without previous life, or a barren habitat. Secondary succession occurs in an area that had previously been inhabited but experienced a disturbance, such as a wildfire. In this scenario, there still would be soil.
Example Question #1 : Understand Differences Between Primary And Secondary Succession
In an area with primary succession occurring, which type of wildlife would be likely to grow first?
Lichen
Pine trees
Oak trees
Perennials
Lichen
Primary succession occurs in an environment without previous life, or a barren habitat. The first organisms to grow (called pioneer species) are fast growing, hardy species.
Example Question #1 : Understand Differences Between Primary And Secondary Succession
Where would primary succession likely occur?
In an environment recently burned by a wildfire
In an environment that was recently flooded by a river
On a newly created volcanic island
In a forest where many trees were chopped down for logging purposes
On a newly created volcanic island
Primary succession occurs in an environment without previous life, or a barren habitat. Secondary succession occurs in an area that had previously been inhabited but experienced a disturbance, such as a wildfire. The newly created volcanic island has no previous life, and is made of rock, devoid of soil.
Example Question #1 : Understand Differences Between Primary And Secondary Succession
During primary succession, when are pioneer species likely to be found in an environment?
When many nutrients are available
During the summer
Near early stages of succession
Near later stages of succession
Near early stages of succession
Pioneer species are the first species to colonize an environment, and thus would be found in the early stages of succession.
Example Question #2432 : Ap Biology
Which would not be a cause of secondary succession?
Lava flow
Deforestation due to logging
Windstorm
Flooding
Lava flow
Primary succession occurs in an environment without previous life, or a barren habitat. Secondary succession occurs in an area that had previously been inhabited but experienced a disturbance, such as a lava flow. Secondary succession occurs in environments that have been distrubed, but have some remaining soil and vegetation.
Example Question #1 : Understand Differences Between Primary And Secondary Succession
The first species to inhabit an area after a disruption area called
keystone species
primary species
secondary species
pioneer species
pioneer species
The first species to inhabit an area that has been disrupted are called pioneer species. This is true in both primary and secondary succession. These pioneer species are hardy species that can withstand harsh conditions.
Certified Tutor
Certified Tutor
All AP Biology Resources
