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Definition
The process where plants & animals of a particular
area are replaced by other more complex species
over time.
Succession
When?
Ecosystems must respond to:
Fires
Volcanic eruptions
Climate change
Clearing of forests
Pioneer Species
Lichens & Moss
Primary v. Secondary
Primary begins with a lifeless area where there is
no soil (ex. bare rock). Soil formation begins with
lichens or moss.
Primary Examples
Bare rock exposed by glaciers
Newly cooled lava
Abandoned highway
Newly created pond or reservoir
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Secondary begins in an area where the
natural community has been disturbed,
removed, or destroyed, but soil or bottom
sediments remain.
Secondary Examples
Abandoned farmland
Burned or cut forests
Heavily polluted streams
Flooded land
Water – bare bottom small/few
underwater vegetation temporary
pond and prairie forest and swamp
Stages
Land – rock lichen
shrubs small trees
small shrubs
large trees
large
Why is it important?
Tends to increase biodiversity
Increase sustainability of communities
Increase interaction
Control population by increasing
complexity of the food web
Succession is not predictable
Reflects a struggle for
Light
Water
Nutrients
Food
Space
In a state of continual disturbance and
change
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Climax Communities
The area dominated by a few, long-lived plant
species.
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