Ecological Succession

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A series of progressive changes in the composition of an ecological community over time

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Ecological Succession

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A measure of both species richness and relative number of species.

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Species diversity

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A change or disturbance of the environment most often caused by human influences and natural ecological processes.

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Environmental Change

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An area that was previously occupied by living things is disturbed, then re-colonized following the disturbance.

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Secondary succession

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Newly exposed or newly formed rock is colonized by living things for the first time. Certain hardy plants and lichens with few soil requirements, called pioneer species, colonize the area first.

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Primary succession

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A species that has a disproportionately large effect on community structure relative to their abundance.

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Keystone Species

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Usually modify the environment so that it can support the other organisms that form the community.

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Foundation Species

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Any change in the environment, that can modify the composition, structure, or function of an ecological community.

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Disturbance

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Non-native species whose introduction causes, or can cause harm in their new area

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Invasive Species

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All living things and their physical environments within a particular area

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Ecosystem