Ecological Succession



Refers to the general metamorphosis of a geographic area to its most stable ecosystem.
  • Primary succession refers to the settlement/establishment of vegetation in an area previously uncolonized by organisms. Organism which first colonize an area are known as pioneer organisms.
  • Primary succession which occurs on land is termed Xerarch succession. That which occurs from aquatic ecosystems is known as hydrarch succession
  • Secondary succession refers to the recolonization of a geographic area, which had been previously sett;led, but somehow disrupted.
  • Some causes of disruption include
    • Fire
    • Volcanism
    • Severe weather
    • Agriculture
    • Development
  • Both processes result in the most stable type of biome given its geographical location. This is called a climax community.

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