Foothill High School Science Department Interactions In Ecosystems Ecological Succession

Foothill High School Science Department Ecological Succession Key Concept : Ecosystems are constantly changing in response to natural & human disturbances. As an ecosystem changes, older inhabitants gradually die out and new organisms move in, causing further changes in the community.

Foothill High School Science Department Ecological Succession Primary SuccessionPrimary Succession –Pioneer Species are the first species to colonize. On rock, usually lichens –Pioneer Species build soil. Secondary SuccessionSecondary Succession –Follows Pioneer Species Usually Plants

Foothill High School Science Department Lichens Mutualistic Relationship Between Fungus & Algae or Cyanobacterium

Foothill High School Science Department Ecological Succession Climax CommunityClimax Community –Mature, Stable Communities That Change Very Slowly. Powerpoint on Ecological Succession Powerpoint on Ecological Succession

Foothill High School Science Department Ecological Succession In Marine CommunitiesIn Marine Communities –Whale Carcass Stage 1 Attracts scavengers & decomposers Stage 2 Attracts Fewer, Smaller species. Area is fertilized Stage 3 Heterotrophic bacteria & chemosynthetic autotrophs