Aim: How do ecosystems change over time? DN: Describe the Carbon Cycle.

Ecological Succession The process by which an ecosystem changes over time – often from a barren piece of land to a complex ecological community.. 2 5 4 1 3

Ecological Succession In a Forest As time passes grasses grow & then get replaced by shrubs and eventually a forest will form. Why do the grasses disappear? The large shrubs and trees prevent light from reaching the grasses.

Pioneer Organisms: first organisms to inhabit a given location Changes The community modifies the environment Environment is now stable for the next community Climax Community Community that is stable Population is in balance

Ecological Succession in Ponds & Lakes: As time progresses, the pond gets filled in with dead organic matter. The dead organic matter takes the place of the water in the pond or lake. Eventually a forest forms where the pond once was.

What is the final state of ecological succession A climax community with great biodiversity.

Destruction of Climax Communities Fires, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, deforestation, acid rain. Their destruction often (but not always) means the birth of a NEW community via succession.

Measure the depth & width of the pond in mm