1. Ecological Succession Change in an ecosystem

2. Primary Succession Succession that takes place where no soil had previously existed Ex: land created by volcanic eruptions; land exposed due to glaciers melting

4. The first organisms to appear on land are the pioneer species Lichens and mosses break down rock into smaller pieces during primary succession

5. Small ferns and flowering plants grow next Shrubs grow next, then small evergreens, and finally deciduous trees

6. As plants die, they decompose and add nutrients to the soil As the plants change, the species of animals also change

8. Secondary Succession Disturbance of land that causes succession to reoccur Ex: fires clearing land or abandoned farmland

10. Small Trees Colonizing an Uncultivated Field

11. The final community to develop is the climax community The climax community varies depending on the climate. It may be grassland, deciduous forest, savanna, etc.