Ecological Succession Notes

Types of Succession:

Primary Succession:

• Occurs in newly formed or exposed habitats, such as:
  • Lava flows
  • Newly formed sand dunes
• These are areas where no soil or life previously existed.
• Pioneer species, like lichens and mosses, are often the first to colonize these areas.
• Eventually leads to the development of soil and the arrival of other organisms.

Secondary Succession:

• Occurs in areas where a pre-existing community has been disturbed.
• Soil remains, such as after:
  • A fire
  • Logging
• The process is generally faster than primary succession.
• Soil and seeds from previous communities are already present.