1. Ecological Succession
A series of more-or-less predictable event that occur in a community over time

2. Primary succession
Succession that begin in these areas that have no remnants of an older community.

3. Primary Succession Examples:
Volcanic explosions such as ones that destroyed Krakatau and blew the top off Mount Saint Helens
Retreating glaciers, leaving only exposed bare rock hehind them

4. Secondary Succession
When a disturbance affects an existing community but doesn't completely destroy it

5. Secondary Succession
Proceeds faster that primary ,because bits of old community survive, and can regrow rapidly.
Ex:
Wildfires, hurricans, or other natural disasters

6. Processes During Succession
Pioneer species alter their environment, external environmental change in ways that make it easy for other species to survive.
Lichens add organic matter and form soil,
Mosses and other plans can colonize and grow
Trees grow, their branches and leases shade and protect the ground, and provide shelter and food for animals.

7. Succession Processes
Increasing in complexity of the environment, enabling more plan and animal species to find homes and food
As succession continues, species diversity usually increases