Ecological Succession Primary vs. Secondary

What is Succession? The replacement of one type of community by another

Primary Succession The growth of a community where one had not existed – Occurs with newly exposed rock, sand, or lava

Pioneer Species First organisms present in a new community - Start the process of succession by breaking down rock into soil (i.e. lichen, moss)

Primary Succession

Secondary Succession The re-growth of a community after it is disrupted – Can happen as long as soil is still present – Examples: forest fire, cleared forest, plowed field, etc.

Secondary Succession

Climax Community Mature community dominated by slow-growing, well-adapted climax species (i.e. large trees & animals)

Biodiversity The variety of organisms present in an area – High degree of biodiversity in a mature community – Helps to stabilize the community

Primary vs. Secondary An old house was torn down. Small weeds and grasses grew in the vacant lot. Over the next few years, bushes and tree seedlings began to grow. Secondary

Primary vs. Secondary An undersea volcano erupted and formed a small island. Mosses and lichens began to grow on the bare volcanic rock. Primary

Primary vs. Secondary A logging company cut down all the large spruce trees in an area of forest. After the area was cleared, spruce seedlings began to sprout. Rabbits, birds, and deer returned to the area. Secondary

WRAP IT UP! Primary succession starts from ___________ with _______________ (species) Secondary succession starts from __________ with _______________ (species)