Question

1. which of the following is not a characteristic of pioneer species? a they are small b they grow quickly c they disperse many offspring or seeds d they reproduce slowly 2. common types of plants found in areas in the early stages of secondary succession are a shrubs b lichens c grasses d trees 3. which of these is correctly matched? a secondary succession occurs on a cement parking lot b a rain forest succeeds immediately after a desert c primary succession occurs on a new volcanic island d succession leads to the absence of trees 4. the end stage of primary succession in a northern latitude would be characterized by the predominance of a lichens b needle - leaved evergreen trees c small plants and shrubs d grasses

Explanation:

1. Pioneer species are small, grow quickly, and disperse many offspring or seeds. They do not reproduce slowly.
2. In the early stages of secondary succession, grasses are common as they can quickly colonize disturbed areas. Lichens are more common in primary succession. Shrubs and trees come later in succession.
3. Primary succession occurs in areas with no soil, like a new volcanic island. Secondary succession occurs in areas that have had soil (so a cement parking lot is not right). A rain forest does not succeed immediately after a desert. Succession usually leads to more complex communities which can include trees.
4. In northern latitudes, the end - stage (climax community) of primary succession is often characterized by needle - leaved evergreen trees (like in boreal forests). Lichens are early in primary succession. Small plants, shrubs, and grasses are earlier stages.

Answer:

1. D. They reproduce slowly
2. C. grasses
3. C. Primary succession occurs on a new volcanic island
4. B. needle - leaved evergreen trees