Ecological Succession

• A series of changes in a community in which

new populations of organisms gradually
replace existing ones is called succession.

• There are two types:

1. Primary succession
2. Secondary succession
1. Primary Succession
• Colonisation of new sites by communities of
organisms – takes place on bare rock or sand.
• New bare rock comes from 2 sources:

1. Volcanic lava flow 2. Glaciers retreat and

cools and forms rock expose rock
Pioneer Species
• The first organisms to colonise a new site
are called pioneer species.
– E.g. Lichens are the first to colonise lava rocks.
• Lichens are able to slowly break down rock,
dissolve the minerals, and use them for growth.
• As some of the lichens die, they decompose and
soil is created.
– Lichens grow very slowly, so this process may take
many years.
• Once soil is formed, simple green plants such
as mosses and liverworts can become
established and grow.
• Later, as these plants die and decompose, more soil
forms.
• Minerals locked in the soil enable larger plants such
as shrubs and trees to become established.
• Eventually a stable community, known as the climax
community, develops.
– The exact community type depends on local conditions.
• A climax community is said to be at equilibrium.
A typical sequence of succession, which might occur
over a period of 100–200 years, is shown here:
Sand Dune Succession
• Primary succession is also seen in coastal sand
dune communities.
• Fast growing grasses such as marram grass
(Ammophila arenaria) are pioneer species.
• Their roots bind the loose sand together.
• As the plants die and decompose they help turn the
sand into soil that other species can grow in.
After many years, the community reaches
equilibrium – the climax community.
2. Secondary Succession
• A sequence of community changes that takes place
when a community is disrupted or changed by
natural disaster or human actions.
• E.g. Natural
disaster:
– A fire destroys
parts of a forest.
• E.g. Human
activity:
– A farmer ploughs
a field.
• Soil is already present so secondary succession is usually
much quicker than primary succession.
• A variety of plants such as annual grasses and low-
growing perennials can colonise rapidly.
• Like with primary succession, over time the community
reaches equilibrium with a climax community.
• The community type depends on many factors such as
climate and latitude.
E.g. Succession leading to a taiga
community: