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Changes in Ecosystems: Ecological Succession

Ecological succession is the natural process of change in species composition of an area over time. Primary succession begins in areas without soil, like volcanic rock or landslides, starting with pioneer species like lichens that form soil. As the soil layer thickens, simpler plants grow and add organic material, allowing more complex plants like shrubs and trees to eventually form a climax community. Secondary succession occurs in areas with existing soil that have been disturbed, like after a forest fire, and progresses faster through different pioneer species than primary succession.

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168 views17 pages

Changes in Ecosystems: Ecological Succession

Ecological succession is the natural process of change in species composition of an area over time. Primary succession begins in areas without soil, like volcanic rock or landslides, starting with pioneer species like lichens that form soil. As the soil layer thickens, simpler plants grow and add organic material, allowing more complex plants like shrubs and trees to eventually form a climax community. Secondary succession occurs in areas with existing soil that have been disturbed, like after a forest fire, and progresses faster through different pioneer species than primary succession.

Uploaded by

Kumaran Jothiram
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© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Changes in Ecosystems: Ecological Succession

Definition:
Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area; can be primary or secondary The gradual replacement of one plant community by another through natural processes over time

Primary Succession
Begins in a place without any soil
Sides of volcanoes Landslides Flooding

Starts with the arrival of living things such as lichens that do not need soil to survive Called PIONEER SPECIES

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Primary Succession
Soil starts to form as lichens and the forces of weather and erosion help break down rocks into smaller pieces When lichens die, they decompose, adding small amounts of organic matter to the rock to make soil

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Primary Succession
Simple plants like mosses and ferns can grow in the new soil

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Primary Succession
The simple plants die, adding more organic material The soil layer thickens, and grasses, wildflowers, and other plants begin to take over

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Primary Succession
These plants die, and they add more nutrients to the soil Shrubs and tress can survive now

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Primary Succession
Insects, small birds, and mammals have begun to move in What was once bare rock now supports a variety of life

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Secondary Succession
Begins in a place that already has soil and was once the home of living organisms Occurs faster and has different pioneer species than primary succession Example: after forest fires

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http://www.ux1.eiu.edu

http://www.agen.ufl.edu

Climax Community
A stable group of plants and animals that is the end result of the succession process Does not always mean big trees
Grasses in prairies Cacti in deserts

Hydrosere succession

Xerosere succession

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