The process by which an ecosystem changes over time due to shifts in species composition and the physical environment.
Definition and meaning of ecological succession: This topic covers the basics of what ecological succession is, why it occurs, and the different types of succession.
Primary Succession: This refers to the development of a new community of organisms in an area where there was no previous life or soil.
Secondary Succession: This refers to the development of a community of organisms in an area that has previously supported life but has been disturbed, such as by a natural disaster or human activity.
Pioneer Species: This refers to the first group of plants, fungi, and animals that colonize a new or disturbed area.
Climax Community: This refers to the stable, mature community that eventually forms after ecological succession has occurred.
Facilitation, Inhibition, and Tolerance: These are the three mechanisms that drive ecological succession.
Keystone Species: These are species that play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of an ecosystem and have a disproportionate impact on the community in which they reside.
Soil Development and Nutrient Cycling: These topics are essential to understanding how soil affects the success of different species of plants and animals.
Biodiversity: This refers to the variety of living organisms that make up an ecosystem, and how ecological succession affects it.
Conservation and Management: This covers the ways that humans can help sustain and manage ecosystems by reducing environmental damage and restoring degraded environments.
Primary succession: This is when a community begins to form in a completely new habitat, where there was no prior life. Examples include the formation of new islands or volcanic eruptions.
Secondary succession: This is when a disturbance, such as a fire or flood, destroys an existing community, allowing new species to colonize the area.
Pioneer species succession: In environments that have little to no soil, species like lichens and mosses are the first to colonize the area. Over time, these species break down the soil, allowing for larger plants to grow.
Climax community succession: This is the final stage of ecological succession, where the community has reached a state of stability, and remains relatively unchanged until the next disturbance occurs.
Forest succession: The process by which a forest community develops over time, beginning with early successional species such as grasses and progressing to mature forest habitats.
Marine succession: This is the process by which new marine habitats develop, such as on rocky or sandy coastlines. Algae are typically the first to colonize new habitats, followed by seaweeds and other plant species.
Soil succession: This refers to the process by which soil develops over time from simple, mineral-based soils to more complex, organic-based soils.
Glacier retreat succession: As glaciers recede, they leave behind barren landscapes. Over time, plant and animal species begin to colonize these new habitats, leading to a new community.
Urban succession: This refers to the process of ecological succession in urban areas, where abandoned buildings or vacant lots become habitats for new plant and animal species.
Riverine succession: This is the process by which different types of plant and animal communities develop along the course of a river or stream, from the headwaters to the mouth.