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14.5 Ecological Succession
KEY CONCEPT
Ecological succession is a process of change in the
species that make up a community.
14.5 Ecological Succession
Succession occurs following a disturbance in an
ecosystem.
• Succession regenerates or creates a community after a
disturbance.
– a sequence of biotic changes
– damaged communities are regenerated
– new communities arise in previously uninhabited areas
Fig. The path of lava flow,
like this one on the island of
Hawaii (near right), leaves
behind nothing but solid
rock. Over time, primary
succession will turn this
harsh landscape into a
fertile ecosystem (far right).
14.5 Ecological Succession
• There are two types of succession.
– primary succession — started by pioneer species – are like lichens
or mosses which can break down solid rock into smaller pieces.
14.5 Ecological Succession
• There are two types of succession.
– secondary succession — started by remaining species