succession
Ecological succession is the observed process of change in the number and type of species in an ecological system over time. Species within any community may become less abundant over time, and vanish from their ecosystem. Or, they may become more abundant, and adjust to the changes. These changes are caused by many different reasons and can take different amounts of time.
Primary Succession- One of two types of biological and ecological succession of plant life, occurring in an environment in which new substrate devoid of vegetation and usually lacking soil, such as a lava flow or area left from retreated glacier, is deposited.
Secondary Succession- The series of community changes which take place on a previously colonized, but disturbed or damaged habitat. Examples include areas which have been cleared of existing vegetation (such as after tree-felling in a woodland) and destructive events such as fires.
Pioneer Species- Hardy species which are the first to colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems, beginning a chain of ecological succession that ultimately leads to a more biodiverse steady-state ecosystem
Natural Disturbance-a temporary change in environmental conditions that causes a pronounced change in an ecosystem.
Human Activities- something that people do or cause to happen
Succession can occur because an organism changes the system by just existing in it. An environment first starts off being perfect for the original species but as the species changes the environment, the environment becomes suited for new and different species. Ecological species may also occur when something drastic changes in the environment. Examples of these changes are: forest fires, wind storms, and human activities. Any one of these factors can change or destroy the environment. Primary succession is the series of changes that occur in an area where no soil or organisms exist. Pioneer species are brought into the ecosystem through wind or water and when they break down and die, they bring nutrients to the soil. Eventually, the pioneer species will have brought enough nutrients into the soil for vegetation to sprout . After the vegetation makes itself comfortable in the ecosystem, animals are eager to join because of the source of food. After a period of time, you will have a complex ecosystem. Secondary succession is the series of changes that occur in an area where an ecosystem has been disturbed, but soil and organisms still exist. Natural disturbances such as hurricanes, fires, and tornadoes can all lead to secondary succession to happen. Human activities disrupt the ecosystem and can also lead to secondary succession through activities such as farming, logging, and mining. Secondary succession happens much faster then primary succession because where in primary succession, ecosystems are developing, in secondary succession the ecosystem is still there with plants and animals but has been disturbed and a new species can quickly take over what is left of it. After succession has been successful, a climax community can be formed where it is stable but no matter how stable the community is, major changes can still happen to it.