AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Ecological Succession
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 14 cards to help you master important concepts.
Define a keystone species.
A keystone species is a species whose activities play a significant role in determining the structure of its community.
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Define a keystone species.
A keystone species is a species whose activities play a significant role in determining the structure of its community.
What are the two main types of ecological succession?
The two main types of ecological succession are primary succession and secondary succession.
A sea otter's predation on sea urchins prevents the destruction of kelp forests, thereby maintaining the ecosystem's structure. What type of species is the sea otter?
The sea otter is a keystone species because its activities have a significant role in determining community structure.
What is ecological succession?
Ecological succession is the process by which the structure of a biological community evolves over time.
Which type of succession would be characterized by pioneer species moving into an unoccupied habitat?
Primary succession is characterized by pioneer species moving into a previously unoccupied habitat.
How does succession in a disturbed ecosystem affect net productivity over time?
Succession in a disturbed ecosystem will cause changes in the net productivity over time as the plant community matures.
How does succession in a disturbed ecosystem affect total biomass over time?
Succession in a disturbed ecosystem will cause changes in the total biomass over time as the community develops.
What is the general effect of ecological succession on an ecosystem?
Ecological succession affects the total biomass, species richness, and net productivity of an ecosystem over time.
Define an indicator species.
An indicator species is a plant or animal whose presence demonstrates a distinctive quality or characteristic of an ecosystem.
What is a potential long-term outcome of pioneer species adapting to a new habitat?
The adaptation of pioneer species to an unoccupied habitat over time may result in the origin of new species.
What are pioneer species?
Pioneer species are early successional species that are the first to move into and colonize an unoccupied habitat.
The presence of a specific type of lichen on a tree indicates that the local air quality is very high. What type of species is this lichen?
This lichen is an indicator species because its presence demonstrates a distinctive quality (high air quality) of the ecosystem.
How does succession in a disturbed ecosystem affect species richness over time?
Succession in a disturbed ecosystem will cause changes in species richness over time as new species colonize the area.
Name three key metrics of an ecosystem that are affected by succession over time.
Three key metrics affected by succession are total biomass, species richness, and net productivity.