ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION

An environment creates and balances itself through the course of ecological succession. Ecological
succession is a series of changes in an ecosystem over a period of time. The succession may form
either formation of new unoccupied regions, such as from flow of lava after a volcanic eruption or a
severe landslide, or by some form of disturbance of a community as forest fire, severe windthrow, or
logging.

Definition:

Ecological succession is the process by which a biological community undergoes a series of changes
over time, leading to a relatively stable state. This process typically begins with the colonization of an
area by pioneer species, which are able to establish themselves in harsh or otherwise inhospitable
conditions. Over time, these pioneer species modify the environment, making it more suitable for
other, less hardy species to thrive. As these intermediate species establish themselves, they in turn
modify the environment, leading to the establishment of more complex, diverse communities of
plants and animals. Ultimately, the process of succession can lead to the development of a climax
community, which is a relatively stable and self-sustaining community that is characteristic of a
particular habitat. The specific sequence of changes that occur during succession can vary depending
on a variety of factors, including climate, soil type, and the presence of other species.

Pioneer Species –> Intermediate Species –> Climax Species

Types of Ecological Succession

There are two main types of ecological succession. Primary Succession & Secondary Succession:

Primary Succession

It thrives in a region that has no vegetation of any kind and in an area where the soil is unable to
nurture a sustained life e.g., sand ridges, uncovered ocean surface, newly formed deltas, lava flow,
emerging volcanic islands etc. The stages include pioneer microorganisms, and plants (lichens and
mosses). The pioneer organisms through their death and decay alter the habitation by releasing
nutrients to the substratum (layers of rock/soil). The new condition of the region becomes more
suitable for the development of intermediate species such as – grasses, shrubs shade-intolerant
trees (such as Pine) and further development of the Climax community including shade-tolerant
trees (such as oak).

Examples of Primary Succession

Type of Example of Pioneer Intermediate Species Climax

ecosystem ecosystem Species Community

Bare rock Glaciers, lava Lichens, Grasses, shrubs, trees Coniferous forest
flows mosses

Sand dunes Coastal beaches Beach grass Shrubs, trees Oak-hickory

forest

Volcanic Surtsey, Iceland Algae, lichens Grasses, shrubs, trees Mixed deciduous
islands forest

Freshwater Newly formed Phytoplankton Submerged aquatic Hardwood

lakes lakes plants, fish swamp

Deglaciated Retreating Grasses, Small trees, conifers Boreal forest

areas glaciers shrubs

Secondary Succession

It occurs when the pre-existing mature or intermediate community in a region has been partially or
completely wiped out due to disturbance caused by natural events such as severe floods, droughts,
forest fires, or storms or by human interventions such as deforestation, agriculture, overgrazing, etc.
As some of the sediments from the previous community is already present, the development of the
secondary succession is relatively faster than the primary community. And with the passage of time
forest community develops.

Examples of Secondary Succession

Type of Example of Disturbance Pioneer Intermediate Climax

ecosystem ecosystem Species Species Community

Forest Abandoned Fire, clear- Grasses, Birch, aspen, Hardwood or

farmland, cutting shrubs pine coniferous
regrowth after forest
logging

Grasslands Abandoned Overgrazing, fire Annual Perennial Tallgrass

fields, regrowth grasses, grasses, shrubs prairie or
after grazing weeds savanna

Wetlands Abandoned Drought, beaver Cattails, Shrubs, trees, Hardwood

beaver ponds abandonment sedges open water swamp or bog

Coral Reefs Damaged coral Coral bleaching, Algae, Coral, fish, Healthy coral
 reefs storm damage sponges crustaceans reef

Stages of Ecological Succession

The mixing of species and habitat during the process of ecological succession go through 5 stages:

Stages Definition

This is the initial stage of ecological succession, in which an area is

bare or devoid of any living organisms. This can occur due to
Nudation
natural processes such as landslides, erosion, or volcanic eruptions,
or human activities such as clear-cutting or mining

Once an area has been cleared or disturbed, it becomes open for

colonization by pioneer species. These pioneer species can be
Invasion
brought in through various means such as wind, water, or animals,
and begin the process of ecological succession

As more species begin to establish themselves in the area, they

compete for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients.
Competition and
However, some species may also work together in a process
Co-action
known as co-action, in which they mutually benefit each other and
enhance their ability to survive and thrive

As the community of organisms in an area becomes more complex,

it can begin to modify the environment in various ways. This can
Reaction lead to changes in soil composition, water availability, and other
factors that further influence the types of species that can thrive in
the area

Over time, the community of organisms in an area becomes more

diverse and stable, leading to the development of a climax
community that is well-suited to the local environment. This stage
Stabilization
is characterized by a relatively stable and self-sustaining
community of organisms that has reached a dynamic equilibrium
with its environment

Causes of Ecological Succession

Initial Causes: They are responsible for the destruction of existing habitats. It occurs due to the
following factors Climatic Factors – Factors such as wind, fire, erosion, natural disaster etc. The Biotic
Factors include – competition between organisms for existence.

Continuous Causes: It is also called ecesis. It includes process as competition, migration, aggregation
etc. It results in a series of changes in the soil structure as – changes in soil pH, accumulation of
organic matter, changes in soil nutrients etc.

Ecological Succession in Ecosystem

Ecological succession is essential for the healthy growth and development of the ecosystem as it
initiates the colonization and diversification of a new region and the recolonization of a region that
has been wiped out due to natural and anthropogenic causes.

Ecological Succession and Stability of Ecosystem: Succession occurs in a series of stages which leads
to the establishment of a stable and final community. The final stable community of plants is called
the Climax community.

Ecological Succession and Diversity in Ecosystem: Ecological Succession provides diversity as well as
depth to a biotic community in an ecosystem. As succession is the gateway of evolution without
which life cannot grow or progress.

Ecological Succession Helps Maintaining Equilibrium in Ecosystem:  A community goes through

stages of ecological succession until it reaches equilibrium. When a community reaches the climax
stage of succession the composition of the community becomes stable thus any small changes or
disturbances will be counterbalanced by other changes to restore the original stage.