Date post: | 11-May-2015 |
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Ecological Succession
Ch. 5 part 3
Big Idea #4
Succession is the process of change in the structure of the environment and the composition of species in an ecosystem as the environment changes
Where do forests come from?
They come about gradually through a process called ecological succession
2 types
Type 1: primary successionBrand new land
Primary succession
No soilFirst species to
come are called pioneers Mosses and lichen
Can grow on bare rock
As they grow they break apart the rock and form soil
Primary succession
After a loooong time, there will be enough soil to support small plants like weeds, grasses, and small shrubs Mosses and lichens die off
Primary successionFinally enough soil accumulates to
support treesAnd you get a climax community
2 typesType 2: secondary successionOld land that has been wiped out
somehow
Examples: Abandoned farmlandBurned forestsPolluted streamsFlooded land
Secondary Succession
The same thing happens, but much more quickly since there is already a soil base
SuccessionAnimal species change through the
course of succession as well