Ecological Succession
more than 1 population in same area at the same time. Remember … a community…
Any abiotic or biotic factor that limits the numbers, reproduction, or distribution of organisms Examples: sunlight, climate, temperature, water, nutrients, fire, soil chemistry, and space, and other living things. Remember … a limiting factor…
The variety of organisms in a given area Ecosystems with high biodiversity -- more able to resist damage. Remember … biodiversity… severe weather human activities. Ecosystems with LOW biodiversity – not as healthy … don’t recover well
An upper / lower limit of what an organism can survive. Range of tolerance
When abiotic/biotic factors change and ….. one community replaces another Ecological Succession
Steps of Ecological Succession Primary succession 1) Primary succession - occurs on an area of newly exposed rock / sand / lava / any area that has no living (biotic) community PIONEER SPECIES Secondary succession 2) Secondary succession- takes place where a community has been removed, e.g., in a plowed field or a clearcut forest Climax Community 3) Climax Community
Climax Community the terminal stage of an ecological succession sequence remains relatively unchanged (as long as biotic and abiotic factors remain stable)
Ecological Succession