Download Succession - Net Start Class

Ecological Succession
The natural process by which one
community of organisms slowly replaces
another in a certain area
Two Types of Succession
1.Primary Succession
Facts:
 Process that occurs where no ecosystem existed
 Starts after a disturbance where no soil exists
 begins on bare rock with Pioneer Species :
EX: Mosses and Lichens
Pioneer species
the first species to populate an area where Primary succession is
taking place
Two Types of Succession
2. Secondary Succession: series of changes
that occur after a disturbance in an existing ecosystem
– starts after a disturbance where soil
exists
– Ex: Fire devastates a forest
– Area of Rainforest cut down by loggers
Succession; Begins as bare rock and pioneer species; moss and
lichen. Over time soil is produced allowing for the growth of
grasses…making the soil richer which allows for the growth of
shrubs. When the grasses die and shrubs loose their leaves this
produces waste which creates an even richer amount of soil
allowing for the growth of maples and oak trees.
Eventually the once bare area become dense with tall trees that it
leaves little area for more plants to grow. This is called a Climax
Community
CLIMAX COMMUNITY
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Final Stage of succession
Usually 1 dominant species
Community is at equilibrium
Remains stable unless a natural disaster or
major human impact event occurs
Mt. St. Helen
Before
Eruption
What stage of succession do you
think will now occur, if any?
What appears to be growing on
the bare rock?
Describe what has happened.
Secondary Succession