Science.8.12.B

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The student is expected to describe how primary and secondary ecological succession affect populations and species diversity after ecosystems are disrupted by natural events or human activity; and
Organisms and Environments

Knowledge and Skills Statement

Organisms and environments. The student understands stability and change in populations and ecosystems.
Glossary terms and definitions are consistent across kindergarten through high school in the TEKS Guide. The definitions are intended to give educators a common understanding of the terms regardless of what grade level they teach. Glossary definitions are not intended for use with students.

the biotic and abiotic resources provided to support specific populations in a community

 the initial colonization of an area that starts with bare rock

the repopulation of an area that starts with bare soil

Research

Walker, Lawrence R., and Roger del Moral. “Lessons from Primary Succession for Restoration of Severely Damaged Habitats.” Applied Vegetation Science 12, no. 1 (2009): 55–67. doi:10.1111/j.1654-109X.2009.01002.x

Summary:  Scientists are learning about ecological restoration by studying the natural processes involved in succession. This article explains the benefits of studying natural succession long term to understand the interactions between species and long-term outcomes that could be implemented in ecological restoration.