2.7 Ecological Succession

Ecological Succession

series of predictable stages of growth that a forest goes through

Primary Succession

starts from bare rock in an area with no previous soil formation

Secondary Succession

starts from already established soil, in an area where a disturbance cleared out the majority of plant life

Stages of Succession

Stages are characterized by which types of plant species dominate the ecosystem; different species are adapted to the conditions of the different stages

Pioneer Species

First to colonize: Bare rock/soil

Characteristics: Fast-growing, wind/animal-dispersed, tolerant of shallow soil and full sun

Examples: Moss, lichen, wildflowers

Mid-Successional Species

After pioneers: Develop deeper soil

Characteristics: Fast-growing, larger, need deeper/nutrient-rich soil, sun-tolerant

Examples: Shrubs, aspen, cherry

Late Successional Species

Last to appear: Thrive in deep, nutrient-rich soil

Characteristics: Large, slow-growing, shade-tolerant, need deep soils

Examples: Maples, oaks