Ecological Succession: Life's Comeback Story

Biology Grades High School 4:39 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore how ecosystems change over time through ecological succession, including primary and secondary succession. Learn about pioneer species and the impact of disturbances on community development.

Video Resource

Ecological succession | Biodiversity and human impacts | High school biology | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 4:39
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Ecological Succession
  • Primary Succession
  • Secondary Succession
  • Pioneer Species
  • Ecological Disturbance

Learning Objectives

  • Define ecological succession and differentiate between primary and secondary succession.
  • Identify and explain the role of pioneer species in primary and secondary succession.
  • Analyze the impact of disturbances on ecological communities and the subsequent process of succession.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they think happens to a forest after a fire or what might grow on a newly formed volcanic island. Briefly introduce the concept of ecological succession as a process of change in an ecosystem over time. Show the Khan Academy video: Ecological succession | Biodiversity and human impacts | High school biology | Khan Academy
  • Video Viewing and Note-Taking (10 mins)
    Instruct students to watch the video and take notes on the key concepts, including the definitions of ecological succession, primary succession, secondary succession, and the role of pioneer species. Encourage them to note examples of each type of succession.
  • Discussion and Clarification (10 mins)
    Facilitate a class discussion to review the concepts presented in the video. Address any questions or misconceptions students may have. Focus on the differences between primary and secondary succession and the importance of pioneer species.
  • Activity: Succession Scenario Analysis (15 mins)
    Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a scenario describing a specific environmental disturbance (e.g., volcanic eruption, forest fire, glacier retreat, abandoned farmland). Have each group analyze the scenario and predict the stages of ecological succession that would likely occur, identifying potential pioneer species and the eventual climax community.
  • Wrap-up and Assessment (5 mins)
    Summarize the key concepts of the lesson and assign a brief quiz or exit ticket to assess student understanding. Preview the next lesson, which could focus on specific examples of ecological succession in local ecosystems.

Interactive Exercises

  • Succession Timeline Creation
    Students create a visual timeline illustrating the stages of either primary or secondary succession in a specific environment (e.g., a forest after a fire, a newly formed volcanic island). The timeline should include key species present at each stage and the changes in environmental conditions.
  • Pioneer Species Research Project
    Students research a specific pioneer species and create a presentation or report on its characteristics, its role in modifying the environment, and its importance in the process of ecological succession.

Discussion Questions

  • What are some examples of disturbances that can lead to secondary succession?
  • How do pioneer species contribute to the development of an ecosystem?
  • Can an ecosystem return to its original state after a disturbance? Why or why not?

Skills Developed

  • Critical Thinking
  • Data Analysis
  • Scientific Communication
  • Collaborative Problem-Solving

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following best describes ecological succession?

Correct Answer: The gradual process of change and development in an ecosystem over time.

Question 2:

Primary succession begins in environments that:

Correct Answer: Have no existing life or soil.

Question 3:

An example of primary succession is:

Correct Answer: The colonization of a newly formed volcanic island.

Question 4:

Secondary succession occurs:

Correct Answer: After a disturbance that leaves soil and some organisms intact.

Question 5:

Pioneer species are:

Correct Answer: The first organisms to colonize a barren environment.

Question 6:

Which of the following is NOT a typical role of pioneer species?

Correct Answer: Creating shade for other species.

Question 7:

A forest fire is an example of a disturbance that leads to:

Correct Answer: Secondary succession.

Question 8:

In secondary succession, the rate of succession is generally ______ than in primary succession.

Correct Answer: Faster

Question 9:

Which of the following is an example of a pioneer species?

Correct Answer: Fern

Question 10:

The end result of ecological succession is often a relatively stable community called the:

Correct Answer: Climax community

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

__________ succession occurs when life colonizes a new habitat where no life existed before.

Correct Answer: Primary

Question 2:

__________ succession occurs after a disturbance, such as a fire, disrupts an existing community.

Correct Answer: Secondary

Question 3:

__________ species are the first to colonize a barren or disturbed environment.

Correct Answer: Pioneer

Question 4:

New land formed by __________ flows is an example of a habitat where primary succession can occur.

Correct Answer: lava

Question 5:

The retreat of __________ can expose new rock, leading to primary succession.

Correct Answer: glaciers

Question 6:

A __________ is an event, such as a fire or flood, that disrupts an ecosystem.

Correct Answer: disturbance

Question 7:

Microbes and simple plants like __________ are often pioneer species.

Correct Answer: ferns

Question 8:

Pioneer species help create __________ by breaking down rock and adding organic matter.

Correct Answer: soil

Question 9:

Human activities, like building on new land, can sometimes act as a type of __________ species.

Correct Answer: pioneer

Question 10:

Over time, ecological succession can lead to a relatively stable community known as a __________ community.

Correct Answer: climax

Educational Standards

B.LS2.6:Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem. B.LS4.5:Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result in (1) increases in the number of individuals of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over time, and (3) the extinction of other species.

Teaching Materials

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