Lesson 2.1: Primary Succession
Completion requirements
Lesson 2.1: Primary Succession
Two active volcanoes in Hawaii—Mauna Loa and Kilauea—erupt 1000°C lava. Lava flows into the Pacific Ocean and becomes rock. On the exposed, bare rock, life in the form of ferns and other simple, but tough, plants takes hold. This plant life is but the first part of succession—a long sequence of living things coming one after the other. In this lesson you will investigate how succession begins.
1. Explain that succession begins after disturbance
2. Define humus and lichens
3. Distinguish between primary and secondary succession
4. Define pioneer species and climax community
5. Recognize succession in aquatic environments
2. Define humus and lichens
3. Distinguish between primary and secondary succession
4. Define pioneer species and climax community
5. Recognize succession in aquatic environments
Primary succession begins with a disturbance that leaves only bare rock with no sail. Alberta was scrapped down to the bedrock by glaciers. lichens are slow growing plant-like organisms that can grow
on rock. Over thousands of years lichens help break down rock and contribute to organic matter which will accumulate as soil. This soil is called humus. Humus is rich in nutrients and stores water, so plants and other
organisms can survive there. These first species are called pioneer species.
As species begin to compete with each other, some species are better able to survive a particular environment. Species will change in a predictable way. this is succession. Over time one set of species will become stable in an environment; these species are called the climax community.
Primary succession begins with no soil. Secondary succession begins with a disturbance that does not remove soil, like a wild fire. Secondary succession happens more quickly because soil is already present.
Succession will happen in aquatic environments as well. Primary succession in an aquatic environments will begin with nutrient poor, open water, like water in a newly formed glacial lake.
As species begin to compete with each other, some species are better able to survive a particular environment. Species will change in a predictable way. this is succession. Over time one set of species will become stable in an environment; these species are called the climax community.
Primary succession begins with no soil. Secondary succession begins with a disturbance that does not remove soil, like a wild fire. Secondary succession happens more quickly because soil is already present.
Succession will happen in aquatic environments as well. Primary succession in an aquatic environments will begin with nutrient poor, open water, like water in a newly formed glacial lake.
- You may want to read pages 470 - 475 of the textbook. Spend a little time completing Path 2 of the Succession on Land Investigation.
- Read the entire investigation on pages 471 and 472 of the textbook.
Note: Tomato seeds are easy to obtain and give good results, but bean seeds or other garden seeds are also suitable. By planting three seeds in each material, you will ensure that there is at least one good seed in each material.
Styrofoam cups or yogurt containers are suitable pots for growing, but any small containers can be used.
As you do the observations, keep in mind that germination only requires water and warm temperatures, so the seeds will most likely sprout quickly in all potting conditions. You do not have to measure the height or diameter of the seedlings with a ruler; you just have to compare the seedlings in a qualitative manner.
Styrofoam cups or yogurt containers are suitable pots for growing, but any small containers can be used.
As you do the observations, keep in mind that germination only requires water and warm temperatures, so the seeds will most likely sprout quickly in all potting conditions. You do not have to measure the height or diameter of the seedlings with a ruler; you just have to compare the seedlings in a qualitative manner.
- Follow the directions of the investigation, and answer the questions.
Check your answers with those in Path 2
For this path you will use a multimedia presentation to provide you with a simulated investigation of seeds growing in various potting materials.
- View the video Succession on Land Investigation
- Follow the directions presented in the segment.
- - Answer questions 3 to 5 on page 472.
Science 20 Textbook. Alberta Education
Succession in Hawaii occurs on the bare rock formed from lava flows. Could succession play a role in making the rocky surface of Mars as fertile as Earth and ready for human colonization? This is the research topic of the next activity.
- Read the entire activity on pages 474 and 475 of the textbook.
Your teacher may provide you with the required soil and grass materials obtained from a natural environment. Otherwise, this path may involve a supervised field trip to a natural environment.
Adding small amounts of soil and grass or hay will introduce microbes into the water. These microbes will act as the pioneers in your aquatic succession.
Note that you will need to conduct daily observation periods over about a one-week period.
Adding small amounts of soil and grass or hay will introduce microbes into the water. These microbes will act as the pioneers in your aquatic succession.
Note that you will need to conduct daily observation periods over about a one-week period.
- Read the investigation on pages 474 and 475 of the textbook. Follow the directions, and answer the questions.
Science 20 Textbook. Alberta Education
For this path you will use a multimedia presentation to provide you with a simulation.
- View the video “Aquatic Succession” . Use the segment to complete a table similar to the one on page 474 of the textbook. Omit the columns “Number
of Organisms Observed” for each flask. Answer questions 2 to 6 on page 475 of the textbook. Start and stop the video as required.
Check your answers with those in Path 1
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Read “2.1 Summary” on page 475 of the textbook. Then, complete “2.1 Questions”.
Science 20 Textbook. Alberta Education