Succession

Features of a pioneer species

• Produce large quantities of easy dispersible seeds/spores

• Withstand extreme conditions

• Rapid seed germination

• Ability to photosynthesise - light usually available when food isn’t

• Ability to fix nitrogen. Even if there is soil, it has few/no nutrients

Primary succession

Pioneer species - colonises the rock/bare ground and release minerals which enable other species to survive

As plants die and decompose the soil deepens and larger plants can now survive - stability increases

Diversity increase - these out compete the smaller plants and become the dominant species

Soil now rich and deep enough to support large trees - climax community