Zonation / Succession

Zonation

the changes in communities along an  environmental gradient. It creates a separate environmental zones or areas with distinct abiotic and biotic conditions.

Succession

the replacement of one community by another in an area over time due to changes in biotic and abiotic conditions. During succession, one community changes the environmental conditions so that another community can establish itself and replace the first through competition.

Primary succession

typically occurs over hundreds of years or longer, occurs on layers or surfaces that have not previously been occupied by an ecological community

Pioneer community

The initial community that forms during succession, usually made up of small vegetation. 

R-strategists

organisms with high reproductive rate, so they are well-adapted to colonize new habitats rapidly, making use of short-lived resources

K-strategists

organisms who produce few offsprings, significant parental care, slow growth rate. Live in stable environments

Intermediate communities

The community that forms between pioneer and climax communities during the succession process. 

climax community

The final community formed during the succession process in an area.