Exam 17: Community Dynamics

Egler's initial floristic composition hypothesis posits that the process of succession at any site is dependent on which species get there first.

Describe the process of succession of heterotrophic organisms associated with decomposition of a fallen tree.

Using a specific example, discuss the ecological differences between early successional species and late successional species within a sere.

The colonization of sand dunes by grasses is an example of secondary succession.

Cowle's sand dune study utilized the concept of

Which of the following is an example of an allogenic change that drives succession?

Disturbances, such as fire, can sometimes increase coexistence between species and can increase diversity.

The ________ model proposes that later successional species are neither inhibited nor aided by species of earlier stages, and they establish themselves independently of species that precede or follow them.

Explain how chance plays a minimal role in determining species composition in early primary succession.

Autogenic environmental change is a direct result of the organisms within a community.

The study of the distribution and abundance of ancient organisms and their relationship to the environment is ________.

Succession that occurs on a site not previously occupied by a community is called ________ succession.

In succession, ________ changes occur as a result of the activity of the organisms present.