Ecosystem Changes and Succession Biology EOCT Review

Ecological Succession Succession is the natural replacement, over time, of one community of organisms by another.

Primary Succession Primary succession is the gradual development of a new community from NOTHING! Occurs on bare terrain, without soil or pre-existing plant or animal life. Can be caused by volcanic eruptions or floods Pioneer species are any of the first species to move into a devastated area (ex. Lichen)

Primary Succession

Secondary Succession Secondary Succession occurs when a disturbance changes or partially destroys and ecosystem, but leaves the soil.

Succession Eventually Slows Succession does not continue indefinitely. A relatively stable community consisting of organisms that are well adapted to the environment and can survive and reproduce is called the climax community.