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BiologyDiscussion postEcology

BIO 220 volcanoes and ecosystems post: a planning guide

Three questions, and the middle one asks for a prediction. Primary succession is the concept that makes it answerable rather than speculative.

Editorial process

Last reviewed · August 10, 2026

01

What does this volcanoes and succession discussion require?

Three questions here and they escalate in difficulty. Explain how volcanoes both destroy and rejuvenate ecosystems, predict how succession will unfold at Sunset Crater, and identify other geological risks with both positive and negative impacts. The first is descriptive, the second asks you to apply a named ecological process to a real place, and the third generalises. Notice that the prompt names two articles to study and that one of them is a National Park Service page about the site itself, which is the source with the actual detail. The other is a general interest page, and while the brief tells you to read it, you are not obliged to rely on it: a discussion post that also cites the park service or the geological survey will be better supported than one that does not.

The destruction half is easy to write and worth writing precisely rather than dramatically. A lava flow does not damage an ecosystem, it removes it, replacing soil and vegetation with bare rock. Tephra and ash fall bury vegetation and can collapse tree canopies under weight. Pyroclastic flows kill by heat and force over large areas in minutes. Gases including sulphur dioxide acidify precipitation and damage vegetation downwind. And the effects extend beyond the immediate area: ash entering streams alters water chemistry and smothers aquatic habitat, and a large eruption can inject material into the stratosphere and cool regional climate for a season or more. Name mechanisms rather than saying the eruption destroyed everything nearby, because the mechanisms differ in reach and in reversibility, and the third question later asks you to compare geological processes on exactly those grounds.

The rejuvenation half is the more interesting one and it rests on two mechanisms. The first is mineral: volcanic rock weathers to release phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium, which is why volcanic soils are among the most fertile in the world and why people farm on the slopes of active volcanoes despite the obvious risk. The second is structural: an eruption resets a landscape, creating open ground, new topography and new habitats, which allows species that cannot compete in mature closed systems to establish. Both mechanisms operate on much longer timescales than the destruction does, and saying so is what makes the sentence about rejuvenation a piece of ecology rather than a consolation. Destruction happens in hours and recovery takes centuries, which is the asymmetry the whole question turns on and the one most posts leave out.

The prediction question is where a named concept turns speculation into an answer, and the concept is primary succession, which is what happens on ground with no soil and no seed bank, as opposed to secondary succession after a fire or a clearance. The expected sequence at a site like Sunset Crater begins with pioneer organisms tolerant of bare rock and low nutrients, typically lichens and mosses that begin breaking rock down, followed by hardy herbaceous plants rooting in accumulating fine material, then shrubs, then trees appropriate to the elevation and climate, with animals arriving as the vegetation that supports them establishes. Then add the local qualifiers: the eruption there was roughly nine hundred years ago, the climate is semi-arid, and both of those slow the process substantially. A prediction with a timescale and a limiting factor attached is a real prediction.

The third question asks for other geological risks with positive and negative impacts, and the pairing is the point. Earthquakes destroy structures and, over geological time, build the mountain ranges whose rain shadows and elevation gradients create habitat diversity. Floods destroy and also deposit the alluvial soils that support the world's most productive farmland. Glaciation scours landscapes and leaves the lakes and fertile till behind it. Landslides bury habitat and expose fresh mineral surfaces. Choose two, and for each say what is destroyed, what is created, and over what timescale, because the timescale is what reconciles the two halves. A process that is catastrophic on a human lifespan and productive on a geological one is not a contradiction, it is the same process measured against two different clocks, and saying that explicitly answers the question better than any list of examples would.

On mechanics, this course's discussion rules are unusually specific and the brief says points will be deducted if they are not followed. At least one reference with citations, preferably a peer-reviewed journal article; at least seventy-five words excluding references; substantive content rather than agreement; and APA seventh edition. Seventy-five words is a floor rather than a target, and three questions cannot be answered well in seventy-five words. Note also that the prompt directs you to a page that is a general interest site rather than a scholarly source, so if a peer-reviewed reference is expected, you will need to find one beyond the two the brief supplies, so budget time for that search rather than discovering the gap at the end. Read both linked articles anyway, since the post is supposed to be based on them and a marker can tell when it is not.

Likely learning objectives

Inferred from the brief — check these against your own rubric.

  • 01
    Describe volcanic destruction through named mechanisms rather than dramatically.
  • 02
    Explain rejuvenation through both mineral enrichment and habitat reset.
  • 03
    Identify the process as primary succession and say why that matters.
  • 04
    Attach a timescale and a limiting factor to the prediction.
  • 05
    Pair destruction and creation for each other geological risk named.
  • 06
    Meet the course's specific posting rules, which carry deductions.
Assignment instructionsQuoted verbatim

Read the full question

Review every instruction before using the planning guidance that follows.

Study the following articles: .ehow.com/info_8259688_plants-animals-around-volcanoes.html”>http://www.ehow.com/info_8259688_plants-animals-around-volcanoes.html .nps.gov/sucr/naturescience/index.htm”>http://www.nps.gov/sucr/naturescience/index.htm Based on the above articles and your understanding of ecosystems and populations from this course, explain how volcanoes both destroy and rejuvenate ecosystems. Make a prediction about how the succession of plants and animals will unfold as the landscape at Sunset Crater Monument recovers from the volcanic eruption. What are other geological risks that could have positive and negative impacts?
Course-wide instructions that accompany this question

Important information for writing discussion questions and participation Hi Class, Please read through the following information on writing a Discussion question response and participation posts. Contact me if you have any questions. Important information on Writing a Discussion Question Your response needs to be a minimum of 150 words (not including your list of references) There needs to be at least TWO references with ONE being a peer reviewed professional journal article. Include in-text citations in your response Do not include quotes—instead summarize and paraphrase the information Follow APA-7th edition Points will be deducted if the above is not followed Participation –replies to your classmates or instructor A minimum of 6 responses per week, on at least 3 days of the week. Each response needs at least ONE reference with citations—best if it is a peer reviewed journal article Each response needs to be at least 75 words in length (does not include your list of references) Responses need to be substantive by bringing information to the discussion or further enhance the discussion. Responses of “I agree” or “great post” does not count for the word count. Follow APA 7th edition Points will be deducted if the above is not followed Remember to use and follow APA-7th edition for all weekly assignments, discussion questions, and participation points. Here are some helpful links Student paper example Citing Sources The Writing Center is a great resource Welcome to class Hello class and welcome to the class and I will be your instructor for this course. This is a -week course and requires a lot of time commitment, organization, and a high level of dedication. Please use the class syllabus to guide you through all the assignments required for the course. I have also attached the classroom policies to this announcement to know your expectations for this course. Please review this document carefully and ask me any questions if you do. You could email me at any time or send me a message via the “message” icon in halo if you need to contact me. I check my email regularly, so you should get a response within 24 hours. If you have not heard from me within 24 hours and need to contact me urgently, please send a follow up text to. I strongly encourage that you do not wait until the very last minute to complete your assignments. Your assignments in weeks 4 and 5 require early planning as you would need to present a teaching plan and interview a community health provider. I advise you look at the requirements for these assignments at the beginning of the course and plan accordingly. I have posted the YouTube link that explains all the class assignments in detail. It is required that you watch this 32-minute video as the assignments from week 3 through 5 require that you follow the instructions to the letter to succeed. Failure to complete these assignments according to instructions might lead to a zero. After watching the video, please schedule a one-on-one with me to discuss your topic for your project by the second week of class. Use this link to schedule a 15-minute session. Please, call me at the time of your appointment on my number. Please note that I will NOT call you. Please, be advised I do NOT accept any assignments by email. If you are having technical issues with uploading an assignment, contact the technical department and inform me of the issue. If you have any issues that would prevent you from getting your assignments to me by the deadline, please inform me to request a possible extension. Note that working fulltime or overtime is no excuse for late assignments. There is a 5%-point deduction for every day your assignment is late. This only applies to approved extensions. Late assignments will not be accepted. If you think you would be needing accommodations due to any reasons, please contact the appropriate department to request accommodations. Plagiarism is highly prohibited. Please ensure you are citing your sources correctly using APA 7th edition. All assignments including discussion posts should be formatted in APA with the appropriate spacing, font, margin, and indents. Any papers not well formatted would be returned back to you, hence, I advise you review APA formatting style. I have attached a sample paper in APA format and will also post sample discussion responses in subsequent announcements. Your initial discussion post should be a minimum of 200 words and response posts should be a minimum of 150 words. Be advised that I grade based on quality and not necessarily the number of words you post. A minimum of TWO references should be used for your initial post. For your response post, you do not need references as personal experiences would count as response posts. If you however cite anything from the literature for your response post, it is required that you cite your reference. You should include a minimum of THREE references for papers in this course. Please note that references should be no more than 5 years old except recommended as a resource for the class. Furthermore, for each discussion board question, you need ONE initial substantive response and TWO substantive responses to either your classmates or your instructor for a total of THREE responses. There are TWO discussion questions each week, hence, you need a total minimum of SIX discussion posts for each week. I usually post a discussion question each week. You could also respond to these as it would count towards your required SIX discussion posts for the week. I understand this is a lot of information to cover in 5 weeks, however, the Bible says in Philippians 4:13 that we can do all things through Christ that strengthens us. Even in times like this, we are encouraged by God’s word that we have that ability in us to succeed with His strength. I pray that each and every one of you receives strength for this course and life generally as we navigate through this pandemic that is shaking our world today. Relax and enjoy the course! Exit  Grid View  List View BIO 220 Week 6 Discussion 1 explains how volcanoes both destroy and rejuvenate ecosystems Excellent Point range: 90–100 Good Point range: 80–89 Fair Point range: 70–79 Poor Point range: 0–69 In 4 or 5 sentences, describe the anatomy of the basic unit of the nervous sytem, the neuron. Include each part of the neuron and a general overview of electrical impulse conduction, the pathway it travels, and the net result at the termination of the impulse. Be specific and provide examples. 12 (16%) – 13 (17.33%) The response accurately and clearly describes in detail the anatomy of the neuron. The response accurately and clearly describes in detail each part of the neuron, and it includes a detailed explanation of the general overview of electrical impulse conduction, the pathway it travels, and the net result at the termination of the impulse. Examples fully support the response provided. 11 (14.67%) – 11 (14.67%) The response accurately describes the anatomy of the neuron. The response accurately describes each part of the neuron, and it includes a general overview of electrical impulse conduction, the pathway it travels, and the net result at the termination of the impulse. Examples support the response provided. 10 (13.33%) – 10 (13.33%) The response provides an inaccurate or vague description of the anatomy of the neuron. The response inaccurately or vaguely describes each part of the neuron, and it includes an inaccurate or vague overview of electrical impulse conduction, the pathway it travels, and the net result at the termination of the impulse. Examples vaguely support the response provided. 0 (0%) – 9 (12%) The response provides an inaccurate or incomplete description of the anatomy of the neuron, or is missing. The response inaccurately or incompletely describes each part of the neuron, and it includes an inaccurate or vague overview of electrical impulse conduction, the pathway it travels, and the net result at the termination of the impulse, or is missing. Examples do not support the response provided, or is missing. Answer the following (listing is acceptable for these questions): a. What are the major components that make up the subcortical structures? b. Which component plays a role in learning, memory, and addiction? c. What are the two key neurotransmitters located in the nigra striatal region of the brain that play a major role in motor control? 12 (16%) – 13 (17.33%) The response accurately and clearly details the major components that make up the subcortical structures. The response accurately and clearly details which component plays a role in learning, memory, and addiction. The response accurately and clearly identifies the two neurotransmitters located in the nigra striatal region of the brain that play a major role in motor control. 11 (14.67%) – 11 (14.67%) The response accurately identifies the major components that make up the subcortical structures. The response accurately identifies which component plays a role in learning, memory, and addiction. The response accurately identifies the two neurotransmitters located in the nigra striatal region of the brain that play a major role in motor control. 10 (13.33%) – 10 (13.33%) The response inaccurately identifies the major components that make up the subcortical structures. The response inaccurately identifies which component plays a role in learning, memory, and addiction. The response inaccurately identifies two neurotransmitters located in the nigra striatal region of the brain that play a major role in motor control. 0 (0%) – 9 (12%) The response inaccurately and incompletely identifies the major components that make up the subcortical structures, or is missing. The response inaccurately and incompletely identifies which component plays a role in learning, memory, and addiction, or is missing. The response inaccurately and incompletely identifies two neurotransmitters in the nigra striatal region of the brain that play a major role in motor control, or is missing. In 3 or 4 sentences, explain how glia cells function in the central nervous system. Be specific and provide examples. 12 (16%) – 13 (17.33%) The response accurately and clearly explains in detail how glia cells function in the central nervous system. Examples fully support the response provided. 11 (14.67%) – 11 (14.67%) The response accurately explains how glia cells function in the central nervous system. Examples support the response provided. 10 (13.33%) – 10 (13.33%) The response inaccurately or vaguely explains how glia cells function in the central nervous system. Examples inaccurately or vaguely support the response provided. 0 (0%) – 9 (12%) The response inaccurately and vaguely explains how glia cells function in the central nervous system, or is missing. Examples do not support the response provided, or is missing. The synapse is an area between two neurons that allows for chemical communication. In 3 or 4 sentences, explain what part of the neurons are communicating with each other and in which direction does this communication occur? Be specific. 12 (16%) – 13 (17.33%) The response accurately and clearly explains in detail the part of the neurons that communicate with each other and the direction in which this communication occurs. 11 (14.67%) – 11 (14.67%) The response accurately explains the part of the neurons that communicate with each other and the direction in which this communication occurs. 10 (13.33%) – 10 (13.33%) The response inaccurately or vaguely explains the part of the neurons that communicate with each other and the direction in which this communication occurs. 0 (0%) – 9 (12%) The response inaccurately and vaguely explains the part of the neurons that communicate with each other and the direction in which this communication occurs, or is missing. In 3–5 sentences, explain the concept of “neuroplasticity.” Be specific and provide examples. 12 (16%) – 13 (17.33%) The response accurately and clearly explains in detail the concept of neuroplasticity. Examples provided fully support the response provided. 11 (14.67%) – 11 (14.67%) The response accurately explains the concept of neuroplasticity. Examples provided support the response provided. 10 (13.33%) – 10 (13.33%) The response inaccurately or vaguely explains the concept of neuroplasticity. Examples inaccurately or vaguely support the response provided. 0 (0%) – 9 (12%) The response inaccurately and vaguely explains the concept of neuroplasticity, or is missing. Examples do not support the response provided, or is missing. Written Expression and Formatting – English writing standards: Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation 5 (6.67%) – 5 (6.67%) Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors. 4 (5.33%) – 4 (5.33%) Contains a few (1 or 2) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. 3.5 (4.67%) – 3.5 (4.67%) Contains several (3 or 4) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. 0 (0%) – 2 (2.67%) Contains many (≥ 5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding. Written Expression and Formatting – The paper follows correct APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, margins, indentations, page numbers, 5 (6.67%) – 5 (6.67%) Uses correct APA format with no errors. 4 (5.33%) – 4 (5.33%) Contains a few (1 or 2) APA format errors. 3.5 (4.67%) – 3.5 (4.67%) Contains several (3 or 4) APA format errors. 0 (0%) – 2 (2.67%) Contains many (≥ 5) APA format errors. parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list. Total Points: 75

02

Three questions and the course's posting rules

  1. 01
    An explanation of how volcanoes destroy ecosystems.
  2. 02
    An explanation of how volcanoes rejuvenate ecosystems.
  3. 03
    A prediction about the succession of plants and animals at Sunset Crater Monument.
  4. 04
    Other geological risks with both positive and negative impacts.
  5. 05
    At least one reference with citations, ideally peer-reviewed.
  6. 06
    A post of at least 75 words excluding references, in APA seventh edition.
03

Destruction, rejuvenation, succession, other risks

01

How volcanoes destroy

Name lava, tephra, pyroclastic flow, gas and downstream effects, with what each does.

02

How volcanoes rejuvenate

Cover mineral release into soils and the creation of open habitat, and note the difference in timescale.

03

Predicting succession at Sunset Crater

Apply primary succession to the site, from lichens and mosses through to a woodland community, with local qualifiers.

04

Other geological risks

Pair destruction with creation for two other processes, each with a timescale.

04

Where the volcanic and site evidence sits

Recommended databases

  • The National Park Service pages for Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
  • The United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program
  • PubMed Central and ecology journals for primary succession research
  • Your course materials on ecosystems and populations, which the prompt names

Search sequence

  1. 1.
    Read the park service material on the site and note the eruption date and the current vegetation.
  2. 2.
    Look up primary succession and confirm the difference from secondary succession before writing.
  3. 3.
    Search for succession studies on volcanic substrates to find realistic timescales.
  4. 4.
    Note the climate at the site, since aridity is the main limiting factor on recovery there.
  5. 5.
    Find one peer-reviewed source, since the two links in the brief will not satisfy that requirement.
05

Reference shortlist

These are authoritative starting points, not a ready-made bibliography. A qualified reviewer must confirm that each source fits the assignment and supports the claim beside which it is cited.

Nothing here is cleared for citation until you have read it.

  1. 01

    Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

    National Park Service · 2025

    The site itself, with the eruption date and the present-day vegetation and landscape. The essential source for making the prediction specific rather than generic.

  2. 02

    Volcano Hazards Program

    U.S. Geological Survey · 2025

    Describes the hazards individually, which is where the named destruction mechanisms come from, and covers other geological risks for the third question.

  3. 03

    Anthropogenic impacts on tropical forest biodiversity: a network structure and ecosystem functioning perspective

    Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B · 2010

    A peer-reviewed source on how communities reassemble after disturbance, useful for the succession prediction and for satisfying the peer-reviewed requirement.

  4. 04

    Demography and environment modulate the effects of genetic diversity on extinction risk in a butterfly metapopulation

    PubMed Central · 2024

    Shows how animal populations recolonise and persist across patchy landscapes, which is the part of the succession question about animals rather than plants.

06

Review before submission

Common mistakes

  • Describing destruction in general terms rather than by mechanism.
  • Treating rejuvenation as a single process rather than two.
  • Predicting succession without naming it as primary succession.
  • Giving a sequence with no timescale or limiting factor.
  • Naming other geological risks without pairing destruction with creation.
  • Relying only on the two links the brief supplies, one of which is not scholarly.
  • Writing to the 75-word floor when three questions are asked.
  • Using an APA edition other than the seventh, which the course specifies.

Submission checklist

  • At least four destruction mechanisms are named.
  • Both mineral enrichment and habitat reset appear under rejuvenation.
  • The term primary succession is used and distinguished from secondary.
  • The predicted sequence runs from pioneers through to a community.
  • The prediction includes a timescale and at least one limiting factor.
  • Two other geological risks each carry a destruction and a creation.
  • At least one peer-reviewed or authoritative reference is cited in APA 7.
  • The post comfortably exceeds 75 words excluding references.

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