1. Ecological Succession
Definition: A series of predictable changes that occur in a community over time
Ecosystems change over time ESPECIALLY after disturbances
How do they change?
-Species die out
-New species move in
-# of total species increases over time (generally)

2. Primary Succession
Definition: Succession that begins in an area with no remnants of the older community
What types of disturbances lead to primary succession?
Pioneer Species: colonize barren areas (i.e. lichen)

3. Primary Succession Pioneer species: Lichen After a volcanic eruption
Following a retreating glacier

4. Secondary Succession
Definition: Succession in an area where existing communities weren’t completely destroyed by disturbance
Proceeds faster – why??
What types of disturbance would lead to secondary succession?

5. Secondary Succession
After forest fire
After clear-cutting

6. Climax Communities
Definition: a stable, mature community at the final stage of succession
Do ecosystems always return to the same “climax” state after a disturbance?
After natural disturbances, original climax community is often reproduced
After human-caused disturbances, ecosystems may OR may not return to original climax