What is ecological succession?
Ecological succession, or the process in which the structure of a community evolves over time, means that the species composition, density, and distribution of that community is constantly changing as time progresses. A community may eventually reach its climax, the point where the composition remains mostly stable unless some sort of disturbance occurs. Otherwise, communities are constantly changing.
In the example below, a fire destroys the existing species. With a year or two, what are called pioneer species arrive. These may be grasses, low flowering plants, herbs, mosses, and others. Then the populations of these pioneer species, which was once high during the first years since the fire, decreases as other species also move to the area.
As time passes, the pine trees dominate and create a lot of shade. Next, we see shade-loving trees such as ash, poplar, hickory, oak, and other species that are well-adapted to thriving in lower light conditions changing the community again. There will likely still be some pines for a period of time as the transition occurs, but again the species within the community changes, the population numbers of each of those species changes, and the distribution also changes
What is ecological succession? | Yahoo Answers
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
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 Exam…
What is ecological succession
It is the observed process of change in a species structure of an ecological community over time.
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