Ecological Succession

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Ecological Succession Noun

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[ee-ko-loj-i-kuhl suhk-sesh-uhn]

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Ecological Succession

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The sequential and gradual change in the species composition of a community over time, leading toward a more stable ecosystem.

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Example: This diagram shows how a barren, rocky area gradually develops into a mature forest over time, starting with pioneer species that create soil for larger plants.

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Community Noun

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[kuh-myoo-ni-tee]

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Community

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A group of different species living together in a specific area and interacting with each other within an ecosystem.

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Example: A community is shown as a food web, where different populations of organisms like plants, rabbits, snakes, and hawks interact in the same area.

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Ecosystem Noun

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[ee-koh-sis-tuhm]

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Ecosystem

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A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment, functioning together as a single, complex unit.

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Example: This diagram shows how energy flows through an ecosystem from the sun to producers, consumers, and decomposers, with heat lost at each step.

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Primary Succession Noun

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[prahy-mer-ee suhk-sesh-uhn]

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Primary Succession

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Ecological succession that begins in an area with no pre-existing soil, such as on bare rock after a volcanic eruption.

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Example: This diagram shows how a barren, rocky area is colonized by pioneer species like lichens, which create soil, allowing grasses and finally trees to grow.

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Secondary Succession Noun

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[sek-uhn-der-ee suhk-sesh-uhn]

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Secondary Succession

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The series of community changes which take place on a previously colonized, but disturbed or damaged habitat where soil remains.

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Example: After a disturbance like a wildfire, an ecosystem regrows over time because the soil remains, starting with grasses and leading to a mature forest.

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Pioneer Species Noun

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[pahy-uh-neer spee-sheez]

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Pioneer Species

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The first hardy species to colonize a barren environment or a previously biodiverse steady-state ecosystem that has been disrupted.

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Example: This diagram shows that pioneer species, like mosses and lichens, are the first life to colonize a barren area like bare rock, starting the process of soil formation.

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Lichens Noun

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[lahy-kuhns]

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Lichens

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A composite organism arising from algae or cyanobacteria living among filaments of fungi in a mutually beneficial relationship.

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Example: This diagram shows that a lichen is a composite organism created from the symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga.

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Climax Community Noun

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[klahy-maks kuh-myoo-ni-tee]

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Climax Community

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A theoretical final stage of succession where a community has reached a steady state of equilibrium, remaining stable unless disturbed.

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Example: This image shows a mature, stable forest with a variety of large trees, representing a climax community at the final stage of ecological succession.

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Disturbance Noun

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[dih-stur-buhns]

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Disturbance

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A temporary change in environmental conditions that causes a pronounced change in an ecosystem, often initiating secondary succession.

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Example: A disturbance, such as a forest fire, is an event that changes an ecosystem and starts the process of ecological succession.

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Biodiversity Noun

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[bahy-oh-di-vur-si-tee]

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Biodiversity

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The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, which typically increases as ecological succession progresses over time.

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Example: This image shows a coral reef, an ecosystem with high biodiversity, meaning it contains many different types of living things like various corals and fish.