Download Succession

Succession: Changes Over Time
•Succession–process of gradual,
natural change and species
replacement that takes place in the
communities of an ecosystem over time
•Two types –primary& secondary
What is Primary Succession?
•Primary Succession–takes place
on land where there are no living
organisms *Example- –When a
volcano erupts, lava covers the
entire land, killing all organisms.
This type of natural event covers
even the soil so there is NO LIFE
AT ALL!!!
Primary Succession
What is Secondary
Succession?
•Secondary Succession–changes
that take place after an existing
community is destroyed. (the land
still has soil though!!!)
•Example -a forest fire kills the
plants but soil still exists.
Secondary Succession
What’s the difference between
the two?
Organisms show up much
quicker during secondary
succession then primary
succession.
Pioneer Species
1st species to show up
Pioneer species are usually lichens,
which are algae growing together
with fungi.
Named because they are the first to
show up, like the “Pioneers” of a
new place
Steps in Succession
•1st –Land is destroyed
•2nd Presence of Pioneer Species.
•3rd –Slowly plant life appears. It takes
less time for wild flowers and shrubs to
appear than trees. Pine trees grow to
maturity faster than hardwoods such as
maple and oak.
•4th –Animals that rely on plants slowly
move in.
•5th –Climax Community is established.
Climax Community
This is a stable community with
a diverse number of organisms.