ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION

Black Eyed Peas

Minimize Jumbo Jet

ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION

Ecosystems are constantly changing as a result of natural and human disturbances. Ecological Succession: The series of changes that occur in a community over time.  

Target: I will be able to define succession, contrast primary and secondary succession, and identify each stage.

Pg. 97

Types of Ecological Succession: 1. Primary Succession: Changes that occur on surfaces where there is no soil.

Examples: Volcanic Lava, bare rock, pavement

2. Secondary Succession: Changes that occur on surfaces where soil is already present.

Examples: forest fire, plowed field, deforestation

Each ecosystem goes through certain stages of succession. Pioneer Species: the first species to populate an area.

In primary succession it is lichens and mosses. In secondary succession, it is weeds and grasses.

Seral Communities: different communities between the pioneer species and the climax community.

Each species in succession changes the habitat and makes way for the next species.

Climax Community: The mature, stable community of organisms, which is the end result of succession.  Succession Animation

Let’s Practice!Decide if each of the ecosystems is caused by primary or secondary succession and what stage they are in.

Scenario 1: An area that has been destroyed by a volcano is dominated by a community that includes lichens and mosses. Predict the stage of succession the community is in.

Pioneer Species

Scenario 2: A Northwest forest ecosystem is dominated by large trees. Predict the stage of succession the community is in.

Climax Community 

Scenario 3 : A Northwest forest ecosystem that has been clear cut is now dominated with grasses and shrubs. Predict the stage of succession the community is in.

Seral Community

Climax Community: The mature, stable community of organisms, which is the end result of succession. Summary:  

IDENTIFYING SUCCESSION

Primary Succession

Secondary Succession 

Pg. 96

Draw a picture OR write a story of how the succession happens from bare rock or soil, to smaller plants to larger plants until you have a climax community.

*Use a minimum of 4 colors OR good grammar*