Biology SL
Biology SL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Unlock Secrets of Climax Communities!

Word Count Emoji
462 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

Climax Communities & Succession 🌱

  • As succession (a series of progressive changes in the types of plant communities that occupy an area through time) continues, the changes become slower.
  • Ultimately, a climax community develops, remaining stable unless disturbed.
    • 🏔 Example: In Glacier Bay, western hemlock trees grow on steep, well-drained slopes. However, on shallow slopes with poor drainage, we get muskeg swamp.
  • Plagioclimax: A stable community that arises because of human intervention.
    • If we humans meddle with nature, succession can be halted or deflected, leading to this.

Grazing & Impact on Ecosystems 🐄

  • Pastoral farming = keeping animals like cattle and sheep for farming.
  • These animals are protected, so they can have high populations.
  • They eat grass. While grass can withstand this, young trees and shrubs can't.
    • Effect: Areas that should turn into forests remain grasslands.
    • 🐃 Real-World Example: Bison in North America's Great Plains & elephants in Africa prevent forests because of their heavy grazing!

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IB Resources
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Unlock Secrets of Climax Communities!

Word Count Emoji
462 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

Climax Communities & Succession 🌱

  • As succession (a series of progressive changes in the types of plant communities that occupy an area through time) continues, the changes become slower.
  • Ultimately, a climax community develops, remaining stable unless disturbed.
    • 🏔 Example: In Glacier Bay, western hemlock trees grow on steep, well-drained slopes. However, on shallow slopes with poor drainage, we get muskeg swamp.
  • Plagioclimax: A stable community that arises because of human intervention.
    • If we humans meddle with nature, succession can be halted or deflected, leading to this.

Grazing & Impact on Ecosystems 🐄

  • Pastoral farming = keeping animals like cattle and sheep for farming.
  • These animals are protected, so they can have high populations.
  • They eat grass. While grass can withstand this, young trees and shrubs can't.
    • Effect: Areas that should turn into forests remain grasslands.
    • 🐃 Real-World Example: Bison in North America's Great Plains & elephants in Africa prevent forests because of their heavy grazing!

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟