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Succession

Constant Changes in an Ecosystem. Succession. The series of predictable changes that occurs in a community over time. Ecological Succession. Ecosystems are constantly changing in response to natural and human disturbances.

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Succession

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  1. Constant Changes in an Ecosystem Succession

  2. The series of predictable changes that occurs in a community over time Ecological Succession

  3. Ecosystems are constantly changing in response to natural and human disturbances. As an ecosystem changes, older inhabitants gradually die out and new organisms move in, causing further changes in the community Ecological Succession

  4. Succession occurs in stages Slow changes in the physical environment Sudden natural disturbances from human activities such as clearing a forest Causes of Succession

  5. Succession that occurs on surfaces where no soil exists (an essentially lifeless area) • Occurs on: • newly cooled lava • bare rock exposed by retreating glaciers • An abandoned highway or parking lot Primary Succession

  6. Usually takes a long time because there is no fertile soil to provide the nutrients needed to establish a plant community. Primary Succession

  7. Begins when pioneer or early successional species arrive Common pioneer species are lichens and mosses The seeds and spores of lichens and mosses are carried by the wind or on the coats of animals or in the droppings of animals Primary succession – the slow process of soil formation

  8. Attach to the bare rock or other bare surface. Trap wind-blown soil particles and detritus, producing tiny bits of organic matter Secrete mild acids that slowly break down the rock After hundreds to thousands of years, the soil may be deep enough and fertile enough to store moisture and nutrients to support larger plant growth How do Pioneer Species start soil formation?

  9. Herbs Grasses Low shrubs Trees that need lots of sunlight and are adapted to the climate and soil (Trees will eventually replace the low growing plants) Midsuccessional Plant Species

  10. Trees that can tolerate shade • Oaks • Maples • Dogwoods • Hickory • Poplar • Birch • Beech Late Successional Plants

  11. Stages of Primary Succession

  12. Primary Succession http://www.pbs.org/americanfieldguide/teachers/forests/forests_unit.html

  13. When a disturbance of some kind changes an existing community without removing the soil Land cleared and plowed for farming is abandoned. Burned or cut forests Flooded land Secondary Succession

  14. Secondary Succession

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