Ecological Succession Notes Ecosystems are constantly changing in response to natural and human disturbances. As an ecosystem changes, older inhabitants gradually die out and new organisms move in, causing further changes in the community living organisms modify their environment a little at a time

Ecological Succession Series of predictable changes that occurs in a community over time 2 types Primary succession Secondary succession

Primary Succession Succession that occurs on surfaces where no soil exists After a lava flow, on bare rock

Pioneer species First species to populate the area Lichens (fungus/algae)

Secondary Succession Succession following a disturbance that destroys a community without destroying the soil Natural events, fires, human activity

Climax community Stable group of plants and animals

What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?