1. Ecological Succession Notes
EQ: What is the difference between primary and secondary ecological succession?

2. Ecological Succession
Predictable stages an ecosystem goes through as it develops or regrows
The world changes until it reaches equilibrium (natural balance)

3. 2 Types of Predictable Stages
Primary Ecological Succession
The gradual development of an area over time where before there had been no life.
bare rock
lichens (fungi and algae combined) break down rock into sand
(pioneer species)

4. 3. soil develops, then mosses grow and insects come to feed
4. soil becomes thicker, then ferns and grasses will grow followed by flowers and small shrubs
5. after 100s to 1,000s of years, trees develop starting with small then larger trees

5. 2nd – Secondary Ecological Succession
Ecosystem is disturbed by natural (fire, flood, volcano) or man-made (crops, tearing down buildings) events
Life had existed before the event had occurred.

6. 1. soil already exists, some weeds exist
2. more weeds and grasses grow
3. different grass and shrub seeds are blown into field by wind or animals
4. small, then larger trees begin to grow

7. Equilibrium
Disturbances change the environment and organisms adapt to return to balance.
Without succession, ecosystems wouldn’t be able to do this.

8. Ecological Succession Drawings
On your handout, draw and label the states of ecological succession from p of your book.
The pictures must be colored.