Secondary succession

Definition

Secondary succession is the ecological process through which a community of organisms re-establishes itself after a disturbance that does not completely destroy the existing soil and organisms. This type of succession occurs in areas where a disturbance, such as fire, flooding, or human activity, has disrupted the ecosystem but left behind some remnants of the previous community, including soil, seeds, and other biological materials. The process typically progresses faster than primary succession because it begins with pre-existing soil and some life forms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Secondary succession can occur in ecosystems like forests, grasslands, and wetlands after disturbances such as wildfires or agricultural abandonment.
2. This process starts with the colonization of pioneer species that can thrive in disturbed environments and help prepare the area for later species.
3. The recovery during secondary succession is often faster than primary succession because the soil already contains nutrients and organisms necessary for new growth.
4. Intermediate stages of secondary succession can include various plant communities before reaching a climax community that is stable over time.
5. Human activities such as farming and urban development can initiate secondary succession when those areas are later abandoned or allowed to recover.

Review Questions

• Compare and contrast secondary succession with primary succession in terms of their processes and outcomes.
  • Both secondary and primary succession involve ecological recovery and the establishment of a community following a disturbance. However, primary succession occurs in lifeless areas without soil, requiring a longer time frame for soil formation and colonization by life forms. In contrast, secondary succession happens in environments where soil remains intact, allowing for faster recovery due to the presence of seeds and nutrients from the previous ecosystem. Ultimately, both processes lead to the development of a climax community, but they differ significantly in their starting conditions and timelines.
• Discuss the role of pioneer species in secondary succession and how they contribute to ecosystem recovery.
  • Pioneer species play a critical role in secondary succession as they are the first organisms to establish themselves in a disturbed environment. These species, such as grasses or certain shrubs, are typically hardy and can thrive in less-than-ideal conditions. By growing rapidly, they help stabilize the soil and create an environment that is more suitable for other plants to grow. As they die and decompose, they enrich the soil with organic matter, facilitating the growth of more diverse plant species that will follow in the successional stages.
• Evaluate how human activities influence secondary succession and its ecological implications for affected ecosystems.
  • Human activities significantly impact secondary succession by altering landscapes through agriculture, urbanization, or deforestation. These disturbances create conditions that initiate secondary succession; however, the recovery may not always reflect the original ecosystem's composition due to factors like invasive species or altered soil conditions. The ecological implications can be profound, leading to decreased biodiversity and altered habitat structures. Understanding how to manage these areas post-disturbance is vital for promoting healthy ecosystem recovery that supports native species.

Related terms

primary succession: The development of a biological community in an area where no soil exists, such as on bare rock after a volcanic eruption.

pioneer species:

The first species to colonize a disturbed area during the early stages of succession, often including mosses and lichens.

climax community:

A stable and mature ecological community that has reached a point of balance and typically represents the final stage of succession.