Succession

Process by which one community replaces another, mostly by predictable and orderly changes in the composition or structure of an ecological community

cc licensed flickr photo by stolenbyme: http://flickr.com/photos/stolenbyme/33471969/

Types

Primary succession

Development of a community starting from bare rock.Part of process of soil formation

cc licensed flickr photo by nbonzey: http://flickr.com/photos/thebonzey/505374606/

Secondary succession

due to disturbance of an existing communitycc licensed flickr photo by pinegar: http://flickr.com/photos/pinegar/384646425/

Pioneer plants

First plants to grow in an area during the process of succession. In primary succession, pioneer plants are part of the process of soil formation. In secondary succession, pioneer plants colonize open spaces and stabilize (and fertilize) the soil

cc licensed flickr photo by stolenbyme: http://flickr.com/photos/stolenbyme/33471969/

Climax community

The community in an area which is a result of the process of succession. The climax community is not replaced by other plants/animals, but rather maintains itself homeostatically. The composition of the climax community of an ecosystem depends on the soil and other climate conditions in an area.

cc licensed flickr photo by J. Star: http://flickr.com/photos/jstar/109974710/

Causes of succession

Disturbance of a community

by natural event such as forest fire, floodby human actions such as clearing a forest by harvesting trees

cc licensed flickr photo by yuan2003: http://flickr.com/photos/yuan2003/1875040848/

Growth of a new community starting from

bare rock

cc licensed flickr photo by wanderflechten: http://flickr.com/photos/29750062@N06/2991832375/