Download Ecological Succession

Ecological Succession
Succession is the change in the ecosystem (mainly plant
species changes) over time.
There are 2 general types of succession:
 Primary succession: When an area with no soil
(ex. A new volcanic island) changes to have an
ecosystem. It is started by pioneer species such as
bacteria and lichen (a mix of fungus and bacteria)
which produce soil, then more complex plants can
grow.
 Secondary succession: When an already existing
ecosystem with a soil base is partially destroyed by
fire or flood or harvest and plant life returns to the
area. Early successional plants tend to be simple
monocots, then late successional plants such as
dicot shrubs and trees outcompete the monocots
and take over.
A climax community forms when the changes slow
down and the area is as rich in plant life as it can be.