3.1 Succession, Recovery, and Renewal in Natural Communities Ecosystems change in predictable ways known as succession Ecosystems can establish themselves in places where there has never been an ecosystem Ecosystems can recover from catastrophic natural changes

3.1 What is Happening to this Vacant Lot?

3.1 Succession Succession is the natural replacement of one community of living things by another. The changes take place over a long period of time, and they happen in a predictable way

3.1 Primary Succession The formation of a new community where no community has existed (volcanic islands, rocky shores, sand dunes)‏ Plants and plant-like species that are part of primary succession are often called pioneer species (lichens and grasses)‏

3.1 Secondary Succession This type of succession occurs when a community has been destroyed or disturbed by natural occurrences or human activities. A new community then replaces it. A farmer's field, a vacant lot in the city, a newly forested area are examples of where this type of succession occurs.

3.1 Climax Community Natural communities will change until a fairly stable community forms. This community is called a climax community. It features large plants and animals such as those found in a forest.

3.1 Recovery and Renewal Ecosystems that have suffered catastrophic events such as fires, floods, avalanches or landslides, or even earthquakes CAN recover as long as the essential abiotic elements remain to support living things.

3.1 Recovery and Renewal