Ecological succession

Introduction

Students study authentic ecological succession, from bare rock surfaces through to climax vegetation.

They study secondary succession in relation to burning and the establishment of exotic grasslands and gap regeneration in relation to beech (spp. Nothofagus) forest. 

Groups can arrange to take samples of the soil horizon and are encouraged to hypothesise about the development and role of key chemical elements, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, nitrogen­ fixing plants and non-leguminous nitrogen fixers.

Level

Year groups: 11-13
Curriculum levels: 6-8

Learning areas

Learning Area*

Discipline

Strand/AO

Biology

Microcellular life processes, adaptation

A.S. 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 3.2, 3.4

Chemistry

Explain aspects of selected elements

Education  for Sustainability

A.S. 2.2 , 3.2,

Geography

Understand how people interact with environments and the consequences

Understand how processes explain the environment

A.S. 1.1, 2.1, 3.1

Science

Nature of Science

Investigation in science (multiple AO)

Living World

Ecology, Ecology (multiple AO)

Material World

Properties and changes of matter – acids and bases

*If you have another learning area you wish to explore, we can adapt. 

      Learning objectives

      Students will:

      • recognise the biological significance of Aoraki/Mount Cook moraines
      • conduct sampling (vegetation, soil horizon) to identify primary and secondary succession
      • interpret the role of key plants and elements (phosphorous and nitrogen) in succession.

        Key competencies

        Thinking, managing self and contributing

        Logistics

        Location: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre
        Duration: Various depending on key focus
        Hazard level: Moderate (outside climatic conditions and terrain)
        Cost: LEOTC fee (presentation only)