Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

51. Community Ecology

Community Structure

General Biology

51. Community Ecology

Community Structure

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2:11 minutes

Problem 4

Textbook Question

Pioneer species tend to have high ________ and lower survivorship.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of pioneer species: Pioneer species are the first organisms to colonize a barren or disturbed ecosystem. They play a crucial role in ecological succession by preparing the environment for subsequent species.

Identify the characteristics of pioneer species: These species often have traits such as rapid growth, high reproductive rates, and the ability to thrive in harsh conditions. They are typically opportunistic and can quickly establish themselves in new areas.

Explore the concept of high reproductive rates: Pioneer species tend to produce a large number of offspring to increase the chances of survival in unpredictable environments. This is often referred to as having high fecundity.

Examine the concept of lower survivorship: Despite their high reproductive rates, individual pioneer species may have lower survivorship due to the challenging conditions they face. This means that while many offspring are produced, fewer survive to adulthood.

Connect these concepts to ecological succession: Pioneer species initiate the process of ecological succession, gradually altering the environment to make it more suitable for other species, which often have higher survivorship and lower reproductive rates.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Pioneer Species

Pioneer species are the first organisms to colonize barren or disturbed environments, initiating ecological succession. They are typically hardy and adaptable, capable of surviving in harsh conditions with minimal resources. Their presence helps modify the environment, making it more suitable for subsequent species.

Ecological Succession

Ecological succession is the process by which the structure of a biological community evolves over time. It begins with pioneer species and progresses through various stages until a stable climax community is established. This process involves changes in species composition, diversity, and ecosystem structure.

Survivorship

Survivorship refers to the proportion of individuals in a population that survive to a particular age. In the context of pioneer species, they often exhibit lower survivorship due to their strategy of producing many offspring with the expectation that only a few will survive in the harsh initial conditions of a new environment.