Ecological succession

ecological succession

normal, gradual change in species composition in a given area geographical area

primary succesion

- happens where no living ecosystem has existed

- not even dirt is present

nothing is alive

- very slow process

- the first living organisms to settle are called pioneer species

- pioneer species like mosses and lichens

- soil begins to form, then grasses and small plants begin to grow

secondary succession

- an ecosystem used to exist fur was destroyed by a natural disaster or other disturbance

- soil is present

- a little bit faster process

- secondary succession occurs existing climax communities has been destroyed by a disaster like fire

the soil is present, but no plants of animals

- pioneer species include fast growing weeds and small plants

ecosystems will eventually become _______: which is the final stage of succession; ______

ecosystems will eventually become climax communities: which is the final stage of succession: staying mostly unchanged until destroyed again