when a biological community begins to live in a habitat/ecosystem

first species to populate an area (in nature)

when one or more species begins to have a greater population or spreads more over an ecosystem

an interacting group of various species (populations) in a common location

a series of changes that occur in an area (ecosystem) where no soil or organisms existed

after centuries, a community becomes well established

series of changes that occur in an area where the ecosystem has been disturbed, but soil and organisms already exist there

temporary change in environmental conditions that causes a pronounced change in an ecosystem (such as a natural disaster)

Lichen, fungi, and algae are growing in an area that has recently been covered in lava from a volcanic eruption. There are no other plants or animals growing there.

A natural disaster or human event/problem has badly damaged an existing ecosystem. There are still some plants/animals who have survived and are trying to recover.

Larger, older plants are growing in an ecosystem (300 year old oaks and pine trees) that is well established and stable.

Volcanic eruptions, major storms, hurricanes, fires, and other natural disasters.

Mining, deforestation, accidental fires, and other human events that negatively impact the ecosystem.