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Ecological succession

Ecological succession is the gradual process of change and replacement of species in an ecosystem over time, occurring in two main types: primary succession, which starts in lifeless areas, and secondary succession, which follows disturbances in previously established ecosystems. Primary succession initiates with pioneer species, like lichens, that establish soil and allow for further biodiversity development, while secondary succession involves the recovery of an area after disturbances such as fires or floods. Succession continues until a stable climax community is reached, which can be affected by physical factors, human activities, and environmental changes.

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By – N.G.Palit Ecological Succession
What is Ecological Succession? ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION IS: The observed process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over a period of time
What is Ecological Succession?  Ecosystems are constantly changing. Ecological succession is a gradual process of change and replacement of the types of species in a community.  Each new community makes it harder for the previous community to survive.
Types of Ecological Succession  There are two main types of Ecological Succession:  Primary Succession: It is the process of creating life in an area where no life existed earlier.
Primary Succession  An example of an area in which a community has never lived before, would be a new lava or rock from a volcano that makes a new island.
Primary Succession  Begins in a place without any soil, like: * Sides of volcanoes * Landslides * Flooding  Starts with the arrival of living things such as lichens that do not need any soil to survive.  They are called Pioneer Species
Pioneer Species
Primary Succession  When lichens die, they decompose, adding small amounts of organic matter to the rock to make soil.  Simple plants like mosses and ferns can grow on this new soil
Primary Succession  The simple plants die, adding more organic material.  The soil layer thickens, and grasses and other plants begin to take over.
Primary Succession  These plants die, and they add more nutrients to the soil.  Shrubs and trees can survive now, on this soil.
Primary Succession  Insects, small birds and mammals can now begin to move in.  What was earlier only bare rock, now supports a variety of life
Primary Succession
Primary Succession
Primary Succession
Secondary Succession  Secondary Succession is the process of re-stabilization that follows a disturbance in an area, where life has formed an ecosystem.
Types of Ecological Succession  Secondary Succession occurs on a surface where an ecosystem has previously existed. It is the process by which one community replaces another community which has been partially or totally destroyed, might be by natural process such as floods, earthquake etc.
Primary Secondary
Secondary Succession  When an existing community has been cleared by any type of disturbance, such as fire, cyclone etc and the soil remains intact, the area begins to return to its natural community.  Because these habitats previously supported life, secondary succession begins.
The Circle of life in Secondary Succession
Why does Ecological Succession Occur?  Because it is the process of life for plants and other living organisms.  Because organisms alter soil structure and the species communities constantly change over a period of time.  Succession will continue until the environment reaches its final stage – the Climax Community
Gradual Change from Pioneer Stages to Climax Community
How Ecological Succession takes place?  Succession will continue until the environment reaches it’s final stage, ---- the Climax Community.
Climax Community  A climax community is a mature, stable community that is the final stage of ecological succession  This type of community remains the same through out the time, if it is not disturbed.
Climax Community  A stable group of plants and animals which is the end result of succession process, does not always mean only big trees. They could be: * Cacti in deserts or * Grasses in fields
These are Climax Communities
Physical Factors  The two main physical factors that determine the nature of the community that develops in an area are:  1. Temperature  2. The amount of rainfall.
Threats to Succession  The grasses that move in as pioneer species are often thought as weeds.  The subsequent growth of shrubs are considered undesirable “brush”.
Threats to Succession  But, without these intermediate stages, the disturbed habitat can’t return to forest.
How do Humans affect Ecological succession?  Clearing the land for garden and preparing the soil for planting is a type of major external event that radically re-structure and disrupt a previously stabilized ecosystem.  This disturbance may immediately begin a process of ecological succession.
Does Ecological Succession ever stop?  Over a long period of time, the climate conditions of an ecosystem is bound to change.  No ecosystem has existed or will remain unchanged over a Geological Time Scale
Any Question
Thank You By – N.G.Palit
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