1. Ecological Succession
The series of predictable changes that occur in a community over time.

2. Primary Succession: Development of a plant community on a bare surface
Fresh rock surface after landslide
New lake after dam construction
Volcanic eruption

3. Primary Succession

4. Secondary Succession
Development of a plant community following disturbance
Abandoned fields
Timber harvest
Fire
Windstorm
Flooding

5. Secondary Succession

6. Pioneer Stage -
first plants that come into community –easy to grow with minimal nutrients
Weeds, wildflowers, grasses
Eutrophication – process of adding nutrients to community. A few plants can now catch onto soil.

7. Early / Mid / Late Seral Stages –
Replace each other by creating conditions that are unfavorable to the present stage and favorable to the next stage
Shrubs and small trees

8. Climax Stage –
Final stage – will not be replaced by any other communities
Oak/Hickory forests