Ecological Succession
Ecological succession is the gradual process of change in the species composition of an ecosystem over time. It occurs as a result of natural disturbances like fires, floods, or human activities such as farming or deforestation. In the initial stages of succession, pioneer species, like mosses and lichens, colonize barren environments, gradually paving the way for more complex communities of plants and animals.
As these communities develop, they change the environmental conditions which make it more suitable for different species to thrive. This process continues until a stable climax community is reached. It is characterized by a range of species which are well adapted to the prevailing environmental conditions. The ecological succession and its types include – Primary and Secondary Succession.
Ecological Succession – Definition, Types, Characteristics, Causes
Ecological succession is the process by which the structure and composition of a biological community change over time. Each of the ecological succession stages is characterized by different species compositions and environmental conditions.
Understanding ecological succession and its types helps in learning the dynamic nature of ecosystems and the complex relationships between organisms and their environment. In this article, we will cover ecological succession in detail.
Table of Content
- Ecological Succession
- Primary Succession
- Secondary Succession
- Process of Recolonization
- Cyclic Succession
- Characteristics of Ecological Succession
- Seral Community
- Phases of Ecological Succession
- Ecological Succession Causes
- Examples of Ecological Succession