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Ecological Succession 3. 4. Objectives 1. Explain what succession is 2. Explain the process of ecological succession Explain the role that plants play in maintaining biodiversity Explain how organisms survive after their ecosystem has been disturbed. Definitions… Succession: A series of gradual changes in the vegetation of an area followed by gradual changes in the animals in the area. Primary Succession: Succession in an area that has no plants, animals, or soil. Pioneer Species: The first species to colonize an area during succession. Secondary Succession: Succession in an ecosystem that has been disturbed by a natural event or human activity. Ecosystem: All living and non living components in an area. Ecological Succession… • Succession is influenced by.. 1) Biotic (living) factors 2) Abiotic (nonliving) factors Succession occurs in stages or steps. However, these steps are not always distinct and can often blend into each other.. Primary Succession… • Takes place on completely barren rock. • • • • • • No plants No animals No soil No shade No shelter Nothing!!!! …and then Pioneer organisms start to grow. Grasses, lichens start to grow on rocks. Form soil and create conditions that allow more vegetation to grow. Still no shade or shelter. Mosses and other small plants colonize the area. They help keep water in soil and reduce erosion. Attract insects, birds and other small animals which feed on plants and eventually decompose to build more soil. Soil becomes thicker and full of nutrients. Plants provide shelter to small organisms. Small plants and soft wood trees (pine trees and larger shrubs) grow. These plants can survive in harsh conditions. Roots break up rock and help add nutrients to soil when they decompose. Plants provide shelter for more species of insects, birds and small mammals. • Bigger plants and hard wood trees grow • Provide more shelter and shade • Provide food and habitat for a wider range of mammals • Their droppings and remains enrich the soil • Soil continues to become deeper and richer; retains more water Climax Community • All ages of plants and hard wood trees grow. • Many shrubs, saplings and herbaceous plants grow. • High biodiversity • Complex food webs • Diversity of plant life provides food and habitat for a wide range of other organisms Ecological Succession Secondary Succession This usually happens more quickly and occurs after an existing community has been disturbed by natural events or human activity (e.g. forest fire). Competition and Succession • Succession is a long-term process driven by interspecific and intraspecific competition. • Competition for water, sunlight, nutrients, etc. • Winners and losers