Secondary Succession in AP Environmental Science

Definition

Secondary succession refers to the process of ecological succession that occurs in an area that has been previously disturbed or disrupted, but still retains its soil. It involves the gradual and predictable changes in plant and animal communities over time.

Related terms

Pioneer Species: Pioneer species are the first organisms to colonize a disturbed area during secondary succession. They are usually hardy plants or lichens that can tolerate harsh conditions.

Climax Community:

A climax community is the final stage of ecological succession where a stable and diverse community of plants and animals is established in an ecosystem.

Disturbance: Disturbance refers to any event or factor that disrupts an ecosystem, such as fires, hurricanes, human activities, or natural disasters.