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Succession 2

Ecological succession describes how communities of organisms change over time through replacement of existing populations. There are two types: primary succession occurs on new bare surfaces like newly exposed rock, starting with pioneer species like lichens that help form soil for larger plants. Secondary succession follows disruption of an existing community through events like fires or farming, and proceeds more quickly since soil is already present. Both ultimately progress to a climax community at equilibrium with its environment.

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54 views18 pages

Succession 2

Ecological succession describes how communities of organisms change over time through replacement of existing populations. There are two types: primary succession occurs on new bare surfaces like newly exposed rock, starting with pioneer species like lichens that help form soil for larger plants. Secondary succession follows disruption of an existing community through events like fires or farming, and proceeds more quickly since soil is already present. Both ultimately progress to a climax community at equilibrium with its environment.

Uploaded by

waranya kasemchitt
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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

• A series of changes in a community in which


new populations of organisms gradually
replace existing ones is called succession.

• There are two types:

1. Primary succession
2. Secondary succession
1. Primary Succession
• Colonisation of new sites by communities of
organisms – takes place on bare rock or sand.
• New bare rock comes from 2 sources:

1. Volcanic lava flow 2. Glaciers retreat and


cools and forms rock expose rock
Pioneer Species
• The first organisms to colonise a new site
are called pioneer species.
– E.g. Lichens are the first to colonise lava rocks.
• Lichens are able to slowly break down rock,
dissolve the minerals, and use them for growth.
• As some of the lichens die, they decompose and
soil is created.
– Lichens grow very slowly, so this process may take
many years.
• Once soil is formed, simple green plants such
as mosses and liverworts can become
established and grow.
• Later, as these plants die and decompose, more soil
forms.
• Minerals locked in the soil enable larger plants such
as shrubs and trees to become established.
• Eventually a stable community, known as the climax
community, develops.
– The exact community type depends on local conditions.
• A climax community is said to be at equilibrium.
A typical sequence of succession, which might occur
over a period of 100–200 years, is shown here:
Sand Dune Succession
• Primary succession is also seen in coastal sand
dune communities.
• Fast growing grasses such as marram grass
(Ammophila arenaria) are pioneer species.
• Their roots bind the loose sand together.
• As the plants die and decompose they help turn the
sand into soil that other species can grow in.
After many years, the community reaches
equilibrium – the climax community.
2. Secondary Succession
• A sequence of community changes that takes place
when a community is disrupted or changed by
natural disaster or human actions.
• E.g. Natural
disaster:
– A fire destroys
parts of a forest.
• E.g. Human
activity:
– A farmer ploughs
a field.
• Soil is already present so secondary succession is usually
much quicker than primary succession.
• A variety of plants such as annual grasses and low-
growing perennials can colonise rapidly.
• Like with primary succession, over time the community
reaches equilibrium with a climax community.
• The community type depends on many factors such as
climate and latitude.
E.g. Succession leading to a taiga
community:

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