Ecological succession -- Changes in the composition or structure of an ecological community

Types of ecological succession: Primary succession Secondary succession Seasonal (cyclic) succession

Successional modes Primary succession Secondary succession Cataclysmic disturbance Pioneer species are adapted to extreme environments Pioneer species make new soil so that other plants can eventually live there too Ecological disturbance such as: Wildfire Pollution Storm Pioneer species colonize existing soil once inhabited by other species

Ecological succession Cataclysmic event Volcanic eruption Nuclear explosion Primary succession Pioneer species make new soil Lichens, fungi, algae Ecological equilibrium Niches are filled Relatively slow ecological change Secondary succession New species invade to fill available niches Period of gradual ecosystem development Minor ecological disturbance Period of gradual ecosystem development

Primary succession

Secondary succession

Ecological equilibrium Also called dynamic or climax equilibrium Environment is in a relatively steady state Biological invasion must occur through competition alone

Example: Hawai’ian Islands

Ecological succession in Hawai’i Chain of islands being actively formed Oldest and largest island is the site of active volcanism

Ecological succession in Hawai’i Chain of islands being actively formed Oldest and largest island is the site of active volcanism (CATA_______ EVENT)

Ecological succession in Hawai’i Chain of islands being actively formed Oldest and largest island is the site of active volcanism (CATACLYSMIC EVENT)

Ecological succession in Hawai’i Chain of islands being actively formed Oldest and largest island is the site of active volcanism (CATACLYSMIC EVENT)

Ecological succession in Hawai’i Chain of islands being actively formed Oldest and largest island is the site of active volcanism (CATACLYSMIC EVENT) Species colonizing nearest the volcanoes are _______ SPECIES

Ecological succession in Hawai’i Chain of islands being actively formed Oldest and largest island is the site of active volcanism (CATACLYSMIC EVENT) Species colonizing nearest the volcanoes are PIONEER SPECIES Algae, lichens, moss, fungi, grasses

Ecological succession in Hawai’i Chain of islands being actively formed Oldest and largest island is the site of active volcanism (CATACLYSMIC EVENT) Species colonizing nearest the volcanoes are PIONEER SPECIES Algae, lichens, moss, fungi, grasses Pioneer species make ____

Ecological succession in Hawai’i Chain of islands being actively formed Oldest and largest island is the site of active volcanism (CATACLYSMIC EVENT) Species colonizing nearest the volcanoes are PIONEER SPECIES Algae, lichens, moss, fungi, grasses Pioneer species make SOIL

Ecological succession in Hawai’i Chain of islands being actively formed Oldest and largest island is the site of active volcanism (CATACLYSMIC EVENT) Species colonizing nearest the volcanoes are PIONEER SPECIES Algae, lichens, moss, fungi, grasses Pioneer species make SOIL PRIMARY SUCCESSION

Ecological succession in Hawai’i No cataclysmic events on older islands (Kauai, Oahu) in recent geologic history

Ecological succession in Hawai’i No cataclysmic events on older islands (Kauai, Oahu) in recent geologic history Species colonizing existing habitats are performing _________ SUCCESSION

Ecological succession in Hawai’i No cataclysmic events on older islands (Kauai, Oahu) in recent geologic history Species colonizing existing habitats are performing SECONDARY SUCCESSION

Ecological succession in Hawai’i No cataclysmic events on older islands (Kauai, Oahu) in recent geologic history Species colonizing existing habitats are performing SECONDARY SUCCESSION Older islands are in a state of ECOLOGICAL ___________

Ecological succession in Hawai’i No cataclysmic events on older islands (Kauai, Oahu) in recent geologic history Species colonizing existing habitats are performing SECONDARY SUCCESSION Older islands are in a state of ECOLOGICAL EQUILIBRIUM

Ecological succession in Hawai’i ________ SUCCESSION – Mauna Loa/Hualalai saddle, Big Island

Ecological succession in Hawai’i PRIMARY SUCCESSION – Mauna Loa/Hualalai saddle, Big Island

Ecological succession in Hawai’i ___________ SUCCESSION – Kalaulau valley, Kauai

Ecological succession in Hawai’i SECONDARY SUCCESSION – Kalaulau valley, Kauai