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LEC. Biology Ecosystems Benchmark 4. Describe responses of an ecosystem to events that cause it to change. Fire ecology is a branch of ecology that studies the origins of wildland fire and its relationship to the biotic and abiotic environment. Fire is studied
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LEC. Biology Ecosystems Benchmark 4 Describe responses of an ecosystem to events that cause it to change.
Fire ecology is a branch of ecology that studies the origins of wildland fire and its relationship to the biotic and abiotic environment. Fire is studied as a natural process operating as a component of an ecosystem. To understand an ecosystem requires looking beyond the ecosystem’s present state. Full understanding includes an investigation of the ecosystem’s origin, the cycles the ecosystem progresses through, and possible future stages. Fire, similar to floods, earthquakes, storms, etc. can be viewed as one means of promoting changes in an ecosystem. http://www.windowsintowonderland.org/fire/teachers/fireecology.htm
Succession The process in which communities change into more complex communities. FromWeeds To Mature Oak Trees
Key Concepts Succession Pioneer Climate/physical conditions Introduction of new/different species Elimination of existing species Biodiversity Cataclysmic changes
http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3313_3677_8314---,00.htmlhttp://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3313_3677_8314---,00.html
Real-world contexts: Climax forests comprised of maple, beech, or conifers Effects of urban sprawl or clear cutting forests Effects of cataclysmic changes such as the eruption of Mt. St. Helens
Which of the following would NOT lead to a changing environment known as succession? • Forest fire burning thousands of acres • Volcanic activity such as the Mt. St. Helens eruption • New island emerging from the sea • Massive storms, such as hurricanes, destroying thousands of acres • Tornado destroying parts of a town
a)-d) These are all capable of bringing about massive destruction which could lead to succession Try again…return to the question
You Pass with Flying Colors e) A tornado ,while capable of massive destruction, does so on a relatively small area. Succession usually requires change on a grand scale return to the question