EcologicalEcologicalSuccessionSuccession

Ch. 21Ch. 21

SelentSelent

SuccessionSuccession

• The sequential growth of species in an area, or the progressive change in the species composition of an ecosystem.

• Occurs in areas where new land is created or in areas where existing species have been destroyed.

Primary SuccessionPrimary Succession

• The development of a community in an area that has not previously supported life.

– Newly formed volcanic

islands– Land exposed by

receding glaciers– Exposed sand bars

Glacial SuccessionGlacial Succession

Secondary SuccessionSecondary Succession

• The sequential replacement of species in an area that once had a community that was lost after a disruption.

• Tilled farm land• Volcanic eruption• Forest Fire• Flood

Farm Land SuccessionFarm Land Succession

Pioneer SpeciesPioneer Species

• The first organisms to inhabit new areas.

• Generally small• Fast growing• Quick to reproduce

More Pioneer SpeciesMore Pioneer Species

Climax CommunityClimax Community

• The dominant stable species in an environment.