Ecological Succession

What is Ecological Succession? Ecological Succession: transition (over long periods of time) from a barren land to a thriving ecosystem Ecological Succession: transition (over long periods of time) from a barren land to a thriving ecosystem Rock/Sand  Forest Rock/Sand  Forest Lake/Pond  Forest Lake/Pond  Forest Pioneer Organisms: the first organisms present in a barren land that make the environment livable for more complex life (example = moss) Pioneer Organisms: the first organisms present in a barren land that make the environment livable for more complex life (example = moss) Climax Community: the largest, stable community that can exist (example = Oak Trees in Forest) Climax Community: the largest, stable community that can exist (example = Oak Trees in Forest)

Types of Ecological Succession Primary Succession: occurs in areas with little to no life (soil is not able to sustain life) Primary Succession: occurs in areas with little to no life (soil is not able to sustain life) Secondary Succession: occurs in areas that were previously occupied by life but were destroyed. Secondary Succession: occurs in areas that were previously occupied by life but were destroyed. Forest Fires Forest Fires Hurricanes/Natural Disasters Hurricanes/Natural Disasters Human Disruption Human Disruption

Primary Succession

Secondary Succession

Aquatic Ecological Succession Pond accumulates sediments from erosion and the build up of debris from dead organisms Pond accumulates sediments from erosion and the build up of debris from dead organisms The pond fills with sediment and becomes very shallow. The pond fills with sediment and becomes very shallow. Eventually, the pond becomes a swamp Eventually, the pond becomes a swamp The build-up continues until there is solid ground where a forest may form. The build-up continues until there is solid ground where a forest may form.

Interactions

Symbiosis Symbiosis: two organisms living in a close association with one another Symbiosis: two organisms living in a close association with one another 3 Types Commensalism Commensalism Parasitism Parasitism Mutualism Mutualism

Commensalism Commensalism: one organism benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed (+/o) Commensalism: one organism benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed (+/o)Examples: Whale and Barnacle Whale and Barnacle

Parasitism Parasitism: one organism benefits (parasite) and the other is harmed (host) (+/-) Parasitism: one organism benefits (parasite) and the other is harmed (host) (+/-)Examples: Fleas & Dogs Fleas & Dogs Brood Parasites Brood Parasites Cuckoo Bird Cuckoo Bird

Mutualism Mutualism: both organisms benefit (+/+) Mutualism: both organisms benefit (+/+)Examples: An Anemone! An Anemone! An Anemone! An Anemone! Crocodile & Plover Bird Crocodile & Plover Bird Honey Bee & Flower Honey Bee & Flower