1. Coral Reef Succession

2. Ecological Succession The progressive change in the species composition of an ecosystem.

3. Ecological Succession Climax Stage New Bare Substrate Colonizing Stage Successionist Stage

4. PRIMARY SECONDARY b Growth occurs on newly exposed surfaces where no soil exists b Ex. Surfaces of volcanic eruptions b Growth occurring after a disturbance changes a community without removing the soil 2 types of succession

5. For example, new land created by a volcanic eruption is colonized by various living organisms

6. Disturbances responsible can include cleared and plowed land, burned woodlands

7. Ecological Succession on a Coral Reef

8. Successional Models and their Impacts (p.133) Case 1: No Disturbance (Competitive Exclusion Model) Case 2: Occasional Strong Disturbance (Intermediate Disturbance Model) Case 3: Constant Strong Disturbance (Colonial Model) Case 1: No Disturbance (Competitive Exclusion Model) Case 2: Occasional Strong Disturbance (Intermediate Disturbance Model) Case 3: Constant Strong Disturbance (Colonial Model)

9. Case 1: No Disturbance (Competitive Exclusion Model) As the reef becomes complex, organisms compete for space. Dominant organism outcompetes other species. Occurs in stable environments. Results in low species diversity. Highly protected patch reefs within lagoons or protected bays Deeper water

10. Case 2: Occasional Strong Disturbance (Intermediate Disturbance Model) Storms and hurricanes allow for other species to move in Dominant species would not be allowed to reach competitive exclusion After each disturbance have a recovery period Area of high diversity

11. Case 3: Constant Strong Disturbance (Colonial Model) Constant exposure to disturbance Shallow environment High turnover of species r-selected species

12. Reef Case 3 Case 2 Case 1 Deep reef slope Reef slope beneath reef crest Near reef crest

13. Ecological Succession on a Coral Reef The Big Island

14. Ecological Succession on a Coral Reef