5.3.3 Climax Communities

• What is a climax community?

  Final, stable ecosystem
• A climax community is in equilibrium with the environment
• A forest that has developed after years of succession is an example of a climax community.
• What is a key characteristic of climax communities regarding species diversity?

  High diversity
• Climax communities are relatively stable over time
• Climax communities adapt to local climate and resources.
• How is a climax community formed in terms of ecological succession?

  After succession stages
• A forest with diverse species adapted to local conditions is an example of a climax community.
• What is a key feature of climax communities related to nutrient cycling?

  Efficient nutrient cycling
• Species populations in climax communities fluctuate within narrow ranges.
• Arrange the following features of climax communities in terms of their contribution to stability and sustainability:

  1️⃣ High biodiversity

  2️⃣ Efficient nutrient cycling

  3️⃣ Balanced interactions

  4️⃣ Adaptive mechanisms
• Stability in a climax community refers to its ability to maintain constant species populations.
• What is the role of climate in determining climax community composition?

  Determines suitable species
• Sandy soils support the same plant species as clay soils in climax communities.

  False
• Biotic interactions, such as competition, can influence the species composition of a climax community.
• Climax communities exhibit a high diversity of plant and animal species, creating a complex food web
• Climax communities are relatively stable over time, with species populations fluctuating within narrow ranges.
• What type of equilibrium do climax communities exist in with their environment?

  Equilibrium
• The various niches in a climax community contribute to a balanced ecosystem
• What does sustainability ensure in a climax community?

  Thriving indefinitely
• Arrange the key features that contribute to stability and sustainability in a climax community:

  1️⃣ High Biodiversity

  2️⃣ Efficient Nutrient Cycling

  3️⃣ Balanced Interactions

  4️⃣ Adaptive Mechanisms
• What regional factor dictates the type of climax community that can thrive?

  Climate
• Sandy soils support the same plant species as clay soils.

  False
• Natural disturbances like fires can reset the successional pathway
• What type of relationships between species can influence the composition of a climax community?

  Competition and mutualism
• Match the type of climax community with its determining factor:

  Climatic Climax ↔️ Climate

  Edaphic Climax ↔️ Soil Conditions
• A climatic climax community is determined by the regional climate
• An edaphic climax community is influenced by soil properties like pH and nutrient availability.
• What is the determining factor for a climatic climax community?

  Regional climate
• An edaphic climax community is determined by soil properties such as pH, nutrient availability, and moisture
• Climax communities are the final, stable ecosystems that develop after succession.
• Match the role of a climax community with its description:

  Nutrient Cycling ↔️ Decomposition and nutrient uptake

  Carbon Sequestration ↔️ Storing carbon to regulate climate

  Habitat Provision ↔️ Creating diverse habitats for species
• What dominant plants are found in temperate deciduous forests?

  Oak, Maple, Beech
• Tropical rainforests are characterized by high rainfall and rapid nutrient cycling
• Coral reefs are highly diverse climax communities found in warm, shallow seas.