Name: ___________________________________________ Date: ________ Period: _____
ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION SIMULATION
Directions: Follow along with the Succession Simulation and answer the following questions.
http://www.mrphome.net/mrp/succession.swf
PRIMARY SUCCESSION
(Using the “Temperature and Rainfall” slider control, select “LOW” temperature and then watch the animation.)
1. What creates the island at the very beginning? ________________________________________
2. What happens with TOP SOIL and NUTRIENTS as time passes? _________________________
3. IN ORDER OF SUCCESSION, describe the sequence of ecological changes that take place:
a. ________________________________________________________________________
b. ________________________________________________________________________
c. ________________________________________________________________________
d. ________________________________________________________________________
e. ________________________________________________________________________
4. How much TIME does PRIMARY SUCCESSION take when temperature and rainfall are…
a. Low? ___________________________________________________________________
b. Medium? ________________________________________________________________
c. High? ___________________________________________________________________
5. Why do you think the times are different? ____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
6. The volcanic island is solid rock. Where does “brown soil” come from? _____________________
______________________________________________________________________________
SECONDARY SUCCESSION
(Choose the tab labeled “Secondary Succession” Click the arrow to start the fire in the forest.)
7. How are the TOP SOIL and NUTRIENTS changing during this secondary succession?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
8. What is different from primary succession? Why? ______________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
9. Is the ORDER OF SUCCESSION the same as with Primary Succession? ___________________
10. Is the length of time the same as with Primary Succession? Why? ________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
11. Take the quiz on Primary Succession. Record your answers below.
12. Take the quiz on Primary Succession. Record your answers below.