Early Succession Species

Definition

Early succession species are the pioneer plants and animals that quickly colonize an area following a disturbance or during primary succession. These species are often characterized by their ability to tolerate harsh conditions and rapidly reproduce.

Related terms

R-selected Species: R-selected species have high reproductive rates but provide minimal parental care for their offspring. They are adapted to rapidly exploit available resources and often dominate early successional environments.

Facilitation: Facilitation refers to interactions between different plant or animal species where one organism creates favorable conditions for another organism's establishment or growth.

Disturbance Regime: The disturbance regime describes the frequency, intensity, and type of disturbances that occur in an ecosystem over time. It influences which types of organisms can thrive in a particular environment.