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Succession

Succession is the gradual change in a community over time.

Primary succession occurs when organisms colonize a lifeless habitat.

During succession the organisms within an ecosystem change its abiotic conditions.

Secondary succession occurs when organisms re-colonize

a devastated ecosystem.

This allows better adapted organisms to colonize the area, replacing its current inhabitants.

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Sand dune succession

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Species adaptations during succession

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Succession on a rocky surface

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From pioneer to climax community