Think about the types of trees growing after 20 years in the understory. Are they tall or short species? Now think about the types of trees growing after 50 years. Are they tall or short species? **Based on your answers to questions 3 and 4, what caused the change in the air and soil temperature between 20 and 50 years after the field was abandoned?

*Did certain species of trees decrease or disappear during succession? Discuss what factors and conditions may be related to these changes.

*Describe the difference between primary and secondary succession and give an example of each. Which type is this scenario an example of?

**The first species to arrive after a disturbance event are known as pioneering species. What characteristics do pioneer species generally have and what role do pioneering species play in the process of ecological succession?

** A climax community is an ecological community in which populations of plants or animals remain stable and exist in balance with each other and their environment. A climax community is the final stage of succession, remaining relatively unchanged until destroyed by an event such as fire or human interference. What species in this scenario are climax species?

After a disturbance, will the same climax community reappear given enough recovery time? Why or why not? What factors will play a role in the end result?

*What role do humans play in succession? What sort of interventions do we commonly make after a disturbance occurs? Give specific examples.