Introduction
The term “ecological succession” refers to the progression an ecosystem follows as it changes over time. Scientists refer to individual stages of an ecosystem’s growth as “seral stages,” and they refer to the entire process of succession as a “sere.” Biological succession is a natural process that occurs in all of Earth’s ecosystems. Is the gradual replacement of the community of organisms in one area or another, it may take millions of years. In other words, succession is the process by which communities colonise an ecosystem and are then replaced over time by other communities.
Pioneer Species to Climax Communities
Pioneer species: These are the first species to occupy a new habitat, starting new communities. They have rapid reproductive strategies, enabling them to quickly occupy an uninhabited area. Many have an asexual stage to their reproduction.
The first seral stage in any instance of biological succession is called a “pioneer community.” In general, pioneer communities are harsh environments that support relatively little flora and fauna. A field, for instance, has only the ground level and underground level at which to support animal and plant life. There is little shelter from the sun, wind and rain.
Seres: These are the various stages that follow on from the pioneer species.
Climax community: This is the stable community that is reached, beyond which, no further succession occurs.
The last seral stage in a process of biological succession is called a “climax community.” Climax communities are much more stable environments than pioneer communities, and they support a much wider array of plant and animal life. A fully grown forest, for instance, has many more habitats for animals than a field does. Many types of birds can nest in the trees, as can animals such as squirrels and chipmunks. Forests provide more shelter from the elements, and they provide habitats for larger animal species as well.
Types of Succession
Primary succession: Biologists use the term “primary succession” to refer to the first time an area develops from bare rock into a fully developed ecosystem. The first step in an instance of primary succession involves lichens and physical weathering processes that break stone into soil. Only when soil is present can vegetation begin to grow in any quantity. Because the breaking down of rock into soil occurs so slowly, primary succession can take thousands of years…
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