Primary

Vs. Secondary Succession

Ecosystems can change over time. Sometimes, these changes can be predicted because nature follows a
pattern. When an ecosystem changes over time we call this ecological succession. We will study two types of
ecological succession, primary succession and secondary succession.
Primary Succession happens in an area where no previous life lives. It stats on bare rock. This can
happen when a glacier retreats, exposing bare rock. It can also happen when a volcano erupts and lava cools,
forming bare rock for primary succession to begin to take place. The pioneer species in primary succession are
lichens and moss. Lichens are organisms that are both producers and decomposers. They do not require soil to
grow. They live on the rock and secrete toxins that break down the rock and turn it into soil. As the soil that
is created by the lichens accumulates small plants are able to grow such as grasses and small flowering plants.
As time goes on and more soil accumulates, bigger and bigger plants are able to grow. Soon the ecosystem will
have small trees and shrubs followed by larger trees over time. Eventually, small animals will come in to the
developing ecosystem. As the ecosystem grows bigger it is able to support larger animals. Over time, it will
grow into a climax community, which is a fully grown, health ecosystem. An example of a climax community
would be a fully grown forest.
Secondary succession happens when a healthy climax community experiences a disturbance. The
disturbance can be a natural disaster, such as a fire. Another example of a disturbance could be a forest that
is cut down and cleared by humans. Since soil is already present in secondary succession, it takes a much
quicker amount of time to reach the climax community. Both primary succession and secondary succession occur
over long periods of time. However, primary succession can take up to 1,800 years. Secondary succession takes
about 300 years. The pioneer species would be grass. Then, small trees and shrubs followed by larger trees.
As the plant life gets larger, animals that would have fled the area when the disturbance happened will return
to their former home. Over time, this would result in a stable climax community.

©Valerie Rios