Ecological Succession

1
Ecological Succession

• Predictable changes within an ecosystem over long
  periods of time.

2
Primary Succession

• Brand new, virgin land that is created by lava
  flows in the ocean that have been cooled over
  time.
• No soil is present!
• Example Hawaii

3
Surtsey

• Example of primary succession.
• Formed by volcanic explosions in 1963.

4
Secondary Succession

• Disturbance of some kind changes an existing
  community without removing the soil.
• Ex Mt. St. Helens
• Exploded in 1983

5
Mt. St. Helens
6
Example of Succession
7
Mt. St. Helens
8
Example of Secondary Succession
9
Pioneer Species

• First organisms to inhabit newly formed land.
• Usually moss or lichens.

10
Pioneer Species
11
Climax Community

• A mature stable community that does not undergo
  succession.
• Example Old Growth Forest

12
Climax Community