APES Unit 2 Ecological Succession

ecological succession

series of unpredictable stages of growth that a forest goes through.

primary succession

starts from bare rock in area w/ no previous soil formation, then slowly forms to community

secondary succession

starts from already established soil, but disturbance happens and area is cleared. Seeds then dispersed by wind or animal droppings.

Pioneer or early succession species

appear first

come when ground is bare rock

fast growing

tolerate shallow soil and full sun

Ex: moss

mid-successional species

appear after 1st species have given soil more nutrients

-kinda fast growing

larger

need deep, nutrient, soils

sun tolerant

ex: shrubs, bushes

late successional or climax community species

appear last, after soil is nutrient

large, slow growing trees

tolerant of shade, require deep soils

ex: maples, oaks.