Succession Succession: the series of ecological changes that every community undergoes over long periods of time. A succession of change gradually replaces other species

Succession: 2 Types Primary succession Secondary succession Begins in a virtually lifeless area with no soil Secondary succession When a disturbance destroyed an existing community but left the soil intact CLIMAX COMMUNITY: the stage in succession where the community has become relatively stable through successful adjustment to its environment

Primary Succession Begins with “pioneer species” The first species to occupy an area These species must be able to survive in very harsh environments This is because there have been NO living things there before; therefore, there has been no cycling of nutrients in this area (carbon, nitrogen, etc.)

Pioneer species – Exhibit exponential growth until outcompeted by another species. Eventually, population environment stabilizes with biodiversity increasing and species exhibiting logistic growth dominating.

Primary Succession

Secondary Succession This type of succession occurs after some kind of natural disaster Forest fire, flooding, etc. Because there has been life present in these areas before, there is an abundance of abiotic resources available (nitrogen, carbon, etc.) Therefore, the soil is nutrient rich and the first species to grow in this area can be much larger due to the excess of nutrients

Secondary Succesion