Aquatic Succession The class has covered Terrestrial Succession-the natural changes occurring in ecosystems on land. There are ecosystems in water, also-coral reefs, ponds, and salt marshes are examples. These are aquatic.

Succession occurs- In aquatic ecosystems, also. Bodies of water will undergo a series of changes until they reach the climax community, the same stable stage reached after terrestrial succession.

Aquatic Succession Begins along the shorelines Leaves and sediments accumulate along the edges and on the bottom, making the body of water smaller and more shallow

Along the shore, Cattails and other aquatic plants grow in the sediment. These plants trap more sediment. Bushes can grow in this area now.

As more soil is produced, The area can now support trees. These are trees that can tolerate wet soils and bright sunlight.

As more shade is made, Other trees move in, as in terrestrial succession. Remember, the trees of the climax community produce saplings that can grow in the shade of other trees.

The climax community after aquatic succession- -Will depend upon the surrounding ecosystem. In this area, ponds and lakes will eventually become a temperate deciduous forest.

The speed at which succession occurs- -Depends upon the size of the body of water: For example, the Great Lakes are undergoing succession, but will not be forests in our lifetimes.

Other examples are- -fast running rivers that don’t allow sediment to accumulate, -deep lakes in area where there is little sediment accumulating

Smaller bodies of water And bodies of water near extensive erosion will undergo succession more rapidly than those examples.

The rate of aquatic succession Is sped up by humans (who else?). Some organic pollution from sewage treatment plants enters streams and lakes Fertilizers can run off into water and add organic material. Animal waste products (poopies) also may add organic nutrients to water.

What can be bad about fertilizer and other organic nutrients? These nutrients cause algae to grow unchecked. These are called algae blooms. Algae blooms block sunlight from reaching the rooted plants underneath. Eventually, algae die and the decomposition uses up oxygen, killing some species.

Algae blooms Cause rapid aging of lakes Sooooooo, smaller lakes and lakes near human settlements undergo aquatic succession more rapidly.

Aging of lakes is called eutrophication It will happen naturally, but it will happen slowly.

Aquatic succession Can also be interrupted by natural or human interference. What are some things that might interrupt aquatic succession?