Ecological succession
Definition
Ecological succession refers to the gradual process of change in species composition and community structure in an ecosystem over time. It occurs as one community replaces another due to natural disturbances or human activities.
Analogy
Imagine ecological succession as a relay race where different teams (communities) take turns running laps on a track (ecosystem). Each team starts from where the previous team left off until they complete their lap and pass the baton to the next team. Similarly, different communities replace each other in an ecosystem during ecological succession.
Related terms
Pioneer species: The first organisms to colonize an area during primary succession.
Climax community: A stable and self-sustaining community that develops after ecological succession reaches its final stage.
Disturbance regime: The frequency and intensity of natural disturbances (e.g., fires, storms) that shape ecological succession patterns in an ecosystem.
"Ecological succession" appears in:
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Additional resources (1)
Practice Questions (3)
- Which factor is essential for the progression of ecological succession?
- Which term describes the process of ecological succession in which a disturbance reverts an ecosystem to an earlier stage?
- What is the main purpose of ecological succession?
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