Notepack 11 Part A

Ecological Succession Ecosystems are constantly changing. Ecological succession is a gradual process of change and replacement of the types of species in a community. Each new community that arises often makes it harder for the previous community to survive.

Ecological Succession Ecological succession is a natural process that usually starts after a disaster that wipes out an ecosystem. These disasters can be the results of a natural phenomena or human intervention. Natural phenomena include: Earthquakes, floods, tsunami, landslide and volcanic activity. Human intervention may include: forest fires, agriculture development, human habitat development, war, extreme pollution and deforestation.

Ecological Succession Primary succession occurs when all the vegetation including the soil is wiped out. All that is left is rock. Primary succession can occur as the results of volcanic eruption that allowed lava to cover the ground. Lava is molten rock that is hot and liquefied. As the lava moves across the land it burns everything in its path, as well as, covers the ground. As the lava cools, it turns to solid rock. A new ecosystem needs to start from scratch.