Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Pioneer species are the first organisms to colonize and establish a community in an area that has been disturbed or devoid of life.
Related terms
Succession: The process by which ecosystems change over time, starting with pioneer species and progressing towards more complex communities.
Primary succession: The type of succession that occurs in areas where no soil is present, such as on bare rock or after a volcanic eruption.
Secondary succession: The type of succession that occurs in areas where soil is already present, such as after a forest fire or agricultural abandonment.