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