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Ecological Succession Reading

Ecological succession describes how communities change and develop over time after a disturbance. There are two types: primary succession, which establishes new communities on bare surfaces like volcanic rock. Pioneer species help develop soil over long periods, eventually allowing trees and other plants to grow. Secondary succession reestablishes communities after disturbances like fires that leave soil intact. Pioneer plants regrow from seeds and roots, eventually being replaced by shrubs, trees, and a climax community similar to the original.

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91 views1 page

Ecological Succession Reading

Ecological succession describes how communities change and develop over time after a disturbance. There are two types: primary succession, which establishes new communities on bare surfaces like volcanic rock. Pioneer species help develop soil over long periods, eventually allowing trees and other plants to grow. Secondary succession reestablishes communities after disturbances like fires that leave soil intact. Pioneer plants regrow from seeds and roots, eventually being replaced by shrubs, trees, and a climax community similar to the original.

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Nermine Abed
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Ecological Succession

Ecological succession occurs when a disturbance has caused the disruption or destruction of
the natural habitat or ecosystem. Disturbances can be caused by humans, such as construction
or deforestation. Disturbances can also occur due to natural disasters such as volcanic
eruptions, glaciers, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, or floods. There are two types of succession,
primary succession and secondary succession.

In primary succession, a new community is established where no community existed before.


Disturbances such as volcanic eruptions or retreating glaciers have removed all soil and
organisms. Bare rock is the only thing that is exposed and no soil is present. Over time,
Pioneer species, like lichens and mosses, establish themselves on the rock. These organisms
break down the rock to help produce soil. These organisms also die and are decomposed,
their nutrients and biomass contribute to the soil. In time plants begin to grow as the amount
of soil increases. Grasses, small shrubs, and small trees begin to grow. Small and Large trees
begin to grow, and the community reaches an equilibrium or balance. This results in a climax
community.

In secondary succession a community is reestablished after a disturbance. The disturbance in


this situation leaves the soil in place as it destroys the organisms in the community. Fires and
floods are good examples of disturbances that lead to secondary succession. Since soil is left
after the disturbance, Pioneer species, like grasses and weeds, begin to grow from the soil.
Roots and seeds left over may also begin to grow again. Over time, some pioneers species
may die and are sometimes replaced or outcompeted by other species like shrubs and small
trees. After many years have passed, Small and Large trees begin to grow, and the community
reaches an equilibrium or balance. This results in a climax community.

Ecological succession occurs over long periods of time. Succession is a predictable change
that occurs in a community, habitat, or ecosystem after a disturbance has killed the organisms
that live there.

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