1. Ecological Succession:
Succession –series of predictable changes that occur in a community over time
Land Ecosystems
1. Primary
2. Secondary
Aquatic Ecosystems
Eutrophication

2. 1. Primary Succession
Begins in a place without any soil (usually after a natural disaster)
Sides of volcanoes
Landslides
Flooding
Starts with the arrival of living things such as lichens that do not need soil to survive
Called PIONEER SPECIES

4. Primary Succession cont’d
Soil starts to form as lichens and the forces of weather and erosion help break down rocks into smaller pieces
When lichens die, they decompose, adding small amounts of organic matter to the rock to make soil

6. Primary Succession cont’d
Simple plants like mosses and ferns can grow in the new soil

7. Primary Succession cont’d…
The simple plants die, adding more organic material
The soil layer thickens, and grasses, wildflowers, and other plants begin to take over

8. Primary Succession
These plants die, and they add more nutrients to the soil
Shrubs and trees can survive now

9. Primary Succession
Insects, small birds, and mammals have begun to move in
What was once bare rock now supports a variety of life!!!

10. Secondary Succession
Begins in a place that already has soil and was once the home of living organisms
Occurs faster and has different pioneer species than primary succession
Example: after forest fires, after harvest
*SKIPS step 1 of primary succession

12. Climax Community
A stable group of plants and animals that is the end result of the succession process
Can remain for many years if undisturbed by humans or natural disasters
High levels of biodiversity
Does not always mean big trees
Grasses in prairies
Cacti in deserts
Mature coral reefs

13. Aquatic Ecosystems Freshwater ecosystems
Sediment & decomposing organisms slowly build up on the bottoms of ponds, lakes, and wetlands
Eutrophication: process of body of water becoming rich in nutrients
Eventually, the water disappears and the area becomes land!

14. Aquatic Succession
The process where water becomes full of nutrients is known as…..

15. How do Changes in Ecosystems Affect Organisms’ Survival???
Extreme or long-lasting changes?
Most don’t survive
But….those with beneficial adaptations will!
Focus: Piney Woods region

16. WILDFIRE!

17. WILDFIRE!
Bluestem Grass- blades burn, but underground roots remain unharmed
Pine Snake- escape by seeking shelter underground in gopher burrow
Longleaf Pine Seedling- heat releases steam from needles to extinguish fire
Woodpecker- fly to safety
Pine trees- thick scales on bark fall off as they burn, taking heat with them