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Ecological Succession Primary vs. Secondary Succession

Ecological Succession Primary vs. Secondary Succession

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Page 1: Ecological Succession Primary vs. Secondary Succession

Ecological Succession

Primary vs. Secondary Succession

Page 2: Ecological Succession Primary vs. Secondary Succession

Ecological Succession• Ecological succession is a series of predictable

changes that occur in a community over long periods of time.

Page 3: Ecological Succession Primary vs. Secondary Succession

Primary Succession• Primary succession occurs in an area where

there was no prior life.

Cooled Lava

Flows

Rock Exposed

from Glacial Melt

Rocky Cliffs

Page 4: Ecological Succession Primary vs. Secondary Succession

Pioneer Species• The first species to inhabit bare rocky surfaces

and begin primary succession are called “Pioneer Species”.

Lichen (like-in) are a common example of a pioneer species. Lichen is a symbiotic organism composed of a type of fungus and a type of algae. The fungus secretes acid that slowly dissolves the rock to release nutrients. The algae is a producer that can carry out photosynthesis to create sugar. Both organisms help each other to survive . What kind of symbiotic relationship is this?

Page 5: Ecological Succession Primary vs. Secondary Succession

Primary Succession Continues• As layers of pioneer species such as lichen die a

thin layer of soil forms which is enough for moss to grow.

• Succession continues as shrubs then fast growing trees like pines begin to grow followed by slow growing hardwoods like oak, hickory and maple

• As moss grows and dies the amount of soil and nutrients increases allowing grass and small plants to grow.

Page 6: Ecological Succession Primary vs. Secondary Succession

Climax Community• Succession continues until a mature, stable

community is established. This is called a “climax community”.

The climax community

in the northeast is a hardwood deciduous

forest

Page 7: Ecological Succession Primary vs. Secondary Succession

Secondary Succession• Secondary succession occurs in an area when

a disturbance destroys the plant life but the soil remains so growth can occur faster.

Forest FireClear

Cutting a Forest for Lumber

Land Cleared

for Farming