Bihar Board - Class 12 Biology - Chapter 14: Ecosystem Notes

NCERT notes for Class 12 Biology Chapter 14 will help students prepare for their board exams. Vidyakul provides comprehensive NCERT notes for Chapter 14 of Class 12 Biology, which cover practice within the lesson for all subjects. Vidhyakul's subject experts have prepared these solutions to help students understand the exam pattern and the notes are designed as per the latest curriculum. This article provides students with access to NCERT notes for Class 12 Biology Chapter 14 Ecological Succession. Keep reading to learn more.

Points to Remember:

We have provided students with some important points to remember to help them with their preparation for the NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 14 Ecological Succession:

• The biosphere is the largest and most self-sustaining ecosystem, also known as the ecosphere.
• Ecological systems are communities of living organisms and their physical environment, interacting and exchanging materials.
• Ecological systems are recognized as self-regulating and self-sustaining units of the physical environment.
• Biomes are large units of the biosphere, each with a characteristic regional climate, specific types of vegetation, and an associated fauna.
• Aquatic ecosystems can be divided into freshwater and marine ecosystems.
• Freshwater ecosystems include lentic (still-water) systems such as ponds, lakes, and wetlands, and lotic (flowing-water) systems such as rivers and streams.
• Marine ecosystems are classified into three zones: the littoral zone (nearshore), the photic zone (open water), and the benthic zone (ocean floor).
• Ecological succession is a process by which a community of organisms replaces or changes over time in a particular environment.
• Primary succession occurs on a barren surface where no life existed before, such as a newly formed volcanic island or a rock exposed by a retreating glacier.
• Secondary succession occurs in an environment that has been disturbed but still contains soil, such as a forest regrowing after a fire.
• Pioneer species are the first organisms to colonize a new or disturbed area.
• Climax community is the stable, final stage of ecological succession in a particular environment.
• Seral stages are the intermediate stages of plant succession.
• The first seral stage in primary succession is usually dominated by lichens, which can break down rock and create a thin layer of soil.
• The intermediate seral stages are typically dominated by herbaceous plants, shrubs, and small trees.
• The final seral stage, before reaching the climax community, is characterized by the presence of tall trees.
• The climax community is stable and in equilibrium with its environment, having reached a point where species composition and populations remain relatively constant.
• Different plant and animal species are adapted to different stages of ecological succession.
• The pioneer community often includes species that can tolerate harsh conditions and have adaptations for rapid colonization and growth.
• Succession in aquatic ecosystems follows a similar pattern to terrestrial ecosystems, with different species colonizing and dominating at various stages.
• Succession is driven by factors such as competition, facilitation, and environmental change 
• Human activities can disrupt and alter natural succession processes.
• Understanding ecological succession helps ecologists and conservationists manage and restore ecosystems.

For more details, keep reading.

Topic and Subtopics:

In this chapter, students will learn about the structure of ecological succession and then the relationships within ecological succession. The NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 14 Ecological Succession includes essential topics listed below:

Serial No.          Topic

Ex 14.1           Ecological Succession - Structure and Function

Ex 14.2           Productivity in Ecological Succession

Ex 14.3           Litter

Ex 14.4           Energy Flow

Ex 14.5           Ecological Pyramids

Ex 14.6           Ecological Succession Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is the definition of ecological succession?

Answer: Ecological succession can be defined as the process by which a community of organisms replaces or changes over time in a particular environment.

Question 2: What are the main types of ecological succession?

Answer: The main types of ecological succession are primary succession and secondary succession. Primary succession occurs in a barren environment where no life existed before, while secondary succession occurs in an environment that has been disturbed but still contains soil.

Question 3: What are pioneer species in ecological succession?

Answer: Pioneer species are the first organisms to colonize a new or disturbed area in ecological succession. They are often adapted to harsh conditions and play a crucial role in preparing the environment for later species.

Question 4: What is a climax community in ecological succession?

Answer: A climax community is the stable, final stage of ecological succession in a particular environment. It is a community that has reached a point where species composition and populations remain relatively constant.

Question 5: What are seral stages in ecological succession?

Answer: Seral stages are the intermediate stages of plant succession in ecological succession. They represent the different stages of plant and animal development during the process of ecological succession.

Question 6: How does ecological succession apply to aquatic ecosystems?

Answer: Ecological succession in aquatic ecosystems follows a similar pattern to terrestrial ecosystems. Different species colonize and dominate at various stages in the water. For example, aquatic plants and algae may dominate early stages of succession in freshwater ecosystems 

Question 7: How do human activities affect ecological succession?

Answer: Human activities can disrupt and alter natural succession processes in ecosystems. Activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture can disrupt natural ecosystems and hinder or change the course of ecological succession.

Question 8: Why is understanding ecological succession important for ecologists and conservationists?

Answer: Understanding ecological succession is crucial for ecologists and conservationists as it helps in managing and restoring ecosystems. It provides insights into how ecosystems change over time and how to promote their recovery after disturbances. Conservation efforts often involve restoring ecosystems to their natural state, and understanding succession is a key component of that process.