ENVIRONMENTAL

SCIENCE UNIT 1
Week(Cycle 4), Session 2-Ecological Succession
 Objectives
Students should be able to:
• Define the terms ecological succession, primary succession, secondary succession,
pioneer communities, climax communities, plagioclimax, seral stage, seres.
• Outline the process of ecological succession
• Describe and compare the features of climax and pioneer communities.
• Compare primary and secondary succession
 Previous knowledge
Familiarity with the concepts of:
• Ecological communities
• Biotic and abiotic factors
 Readings of Text
Study Guide- pg. 32-3
 Ecological Succession
• Ecological succession is the process by which the structure of a biological
community evolves over time. There are two different types:
• primary succession-occurs on land that was never previously inhabited.
• secondary succession-occurs on land which was previously inhabited but which was
disrupted by some catastrophe.
• Occurs in stages called seral stages or seres. Each seres is characterised by specific
plant and animal species.
The Process of Ecological Succession
The Process of Ecological Succession
cont’d
The Process of Ecological Succession
cont’d
 The Process of Ecological Succession
cont’d
• Early colonisers weather rock to create soil and provide themselves wit nutrients.
• Death of organisms resulting in increase in DOM( dead biomass), accumulates in
spaces in rocks.
• DOM is a food source for detritivores.
• Also, nutrients are readily available for plants.
• As more organisms populate the area, biomass increases and the complexity of
biotic interactions increases.
• As the ecosystem grows, less nutrients are available in the abiotic plane as a result
of sequestration.
 The Process of Ecological Succession
cont’d
• Plant and animal species in an area changes over time as does the physical chemical
environment. Plants provide microhabitats.
• Plants that
• Organisms gradually change the environment through their life processes.
• Species are adapted to thrive and compete against other under a very specific set on
environmental conditions(niches). Niches can involve as conditions change.
• Plant species change results in animal species change. Herbivorous species change results
in carnivorous species change.(Co-evolution)
• Plant associated fungal species also change over time.
• Each seres is characterised by specific plant and animal species. Gradual but not totally
distinct from each other. ( Think ecotone).
 Compare succession types
Primary Succession Secondary succession
Bare uncolonised ground, soil formation required Previously existing soil, no soil formation required
No previously existing life Previously existing life, disturbed by disaster
Autotrophic species Mix of autotrophic and heterotrophic species
Slow process Faster process than primary succession

Generalist/opportunist species Specialist species

Organisms have wide tolerance ranges Tolerance ranges tend to be narrower
Good dispersal mechanisms ensure arrival at site Good dispersal mechanism not necessary since
organisms develop from naturally occurring
seedbanks.