Assignment

Prepare: Ecological succession is the change in biotic and abiotic factors of an ecosystem over time. Primary succession begins on bare ground, such as cooled lava that is colonized by pioneer plants. Secondary succession occurs on soil covered ground, which can occur on a large scale, such as a clear-cut forest, or a smaller scale such as an opening in a forest when a tree dies. It was once believed that ecosystems followed a predictable deterministic path towards a climax community. This hypothesis has been called into question as research demonstrates that multiple ecosystem trajectories are possible depending on the level and timing of disturbance as well as the local species available to colonize habitat openings.

Review: After reading this week's assigned materials, view the following videos to learn about disturbance in the role of ecological succession and community structure. As you review the videos reflect on how disturbances, such as fire, shape the physical and biological structures of ecological communities. Reflect on how fire impacts the ecosystem you selected for the final project. If your final assignment is based on an aquatic system, then consider how fire indirectly affects your system through land-water interactions and nutrient cycling.

Write: Your post will be based on the alphabetical order of your last names, and should be between 250-300 words. Review the video and in your own words define ecological succession, and explain what role natural fires play in ecological succession and in shaping the communities shown in the video.

Develop your post using the following video and two scholarly or credible sources in addition to your textbook.