Ecological Succession

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Ecological Succession
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• Succession when old populations in an ecosystem
  are gradually replaced by new populations.
• This is a predictable change

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Succession can be from a natural disaster or
human activity.
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1. Primary Succession occurs where no soil
exists (rock ash) newly exposed surfaces.

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• Primary succession can occur because of
• Glaciers
• Volcano eruption

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Primary Succession cont.
Pioneer species 1st species to occupy an
area. Ex lichens (fungus algae)
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2. Secondary Succession -restarts succession at a
different point than that which occurs with
primary succession.
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Succession proceeds at a quicker pace during
secondary succession since soil is already
pre-formed and ready for use by plants.
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• Secondary succession can occur because of
• forest fires
• disease pests

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• climate changes (hurricane, drought)
• human disturbances (clear cutting,

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A mature, stable community is known as a climax
community. One in which the populations of all
organisms are in balance w/ each other existing
abiotic factors.

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Climax Community