SuccessionSuccession: the series of ecological changes

that every community undergoes over long periods of time.

A succession of change gradually replaces other species

Succession: 2 TypesPrimary succession

Begins in a virtually lifeless area with no soilSecondary succession

When a disturbance destroyed an existing community but left the soil intact

CLIMAX COMMUNITY: the stage in succession where the community has become relatively stable through successful adjustment to its environment

Primary SuccessionBegins with “pioneer species”

The first species to occupy an areaThese species must be able to survive in very

harsh environmentsThis is because there have been NO living

things there before; therefore, there has been no cycling of nutrients in this area (carbon, nitrogen, etc.)

Primary Succession

Secondary SuccessionThis type of succession occurs after some

kind of natural disaster Forest fire, flooding, etc.

Because there has been life present in these areas before, there is an abundance of abiotic resources available (nitrogen, carbon, etc.)Therefore, the soil is nutrient rich and the first

species to grow in this area can be much larger due to the excess of nutrients

Secondary Succesion