1. KEY CONCEPT Ecological succession is a process of change in the species that make up a community.

2. Succession occurs following a disturbance in an ecosystem.
Succession regenerates or creates a community after a disturbance.
a sequence of biotic changes
damaged communities are regenerated
new communities arise in previously uninhabited areas

3. There are two types of succession.
Primary succession — the establishment and development of an ecosystem in an area that was previously uninhabited. Started by pioneer species such as lichens and mosses (need to make soil)
New environments such as retreating glaciers, hotspots

4. Secondary succession — the reestablishment of a damaged ecosystem where the soil is left in tact. Started by remaining species after a disaster
recovery is faster than primary succession.

5. Everglades