Ecological Succession - AP Environmental Science

Succession occurring in wet areas. This type begins in aquatic or very moist terrestrial environments.

Succession occurring on surfaces where no soil exists. This type starts from scratch with no existing soil foundation.

Mosses help retain moisture and further soil development. Mosses create favorable microclimates for other plant establishment.

Succession occurring in wet areas. This type begins in aquatic or very moist terrestrial environments.

Soil provides nutrients and a medium for plant growth. Soil development is essential for supporting diverse plant communities.

Succession driven by external environmental factors. External forces like climate or geology drive community changes.

They help break down rock to form soil. Lichens secrete acids that chemically weather rock into soil particles.

Primary succession. Bare rock lacks soil, requiring the slower primary succession process.

Primary succession and secondary succession. These are distinguished by the presence or absence of existing soil.

Disturbances like fire, floods, or human activities that do not destroy soil. These disturbances leave soil intact, allowing faster recovery.

A stage in the sequence of events in ecological succession. Each sere represents a distinct phase in community development.

They stabilize soil and provide habitat for insects and small mammals. Grasses create favorable conditions for shrubs and trees to establish.

Primary starts without soil; secondary starts with existing soil. Soil presence determines which succession pathway occurs.

Volcanic eruption. Volcanic activity destroys all life and soil, requiring primary succession.

They stabilize soil and provide habitat for other species. Herbaceous plants improve soil structure and create microhabitats.

Decomposers break down organic matter, enriching the soil. Decomposition adds essential nutrients for plant growth and soil development.

Fire can reset succession, clearing space for new growth. Fire removes vegetation, creating opportunities for new species colonization.

A temporary community in the successional sequence. Seral communities are unstable and transitional by nature.

A stable and diverse climax community. Successful succession results in maximum stability and species diversity.

Dominance by climax species. Climax species thrive in stable, resource-rich environments.

Lichens. Lichens are hardy symbiotic organisms that can colonize bare rock.

A stable, mature community that undergoes little or no change in species. This represents the endpoint of succession with stable species composition.

Biodiversity generally increases as succession progresses. More species can establish as environmental conditions improve.

Dominance by pioneer species. Pioneer species are adapted to harsh, unstable conditions.

It can alter or halt natural successional processes. Human activities often interrupt or redirect natural succession.

Late successional communities are more resilient. Mature communities have more species interactions and stability mechanisms.

The process of change in species structure of an ecological community over time. This describes the natural progression from simple to complex communities.

Productivity often increases as ecosystems mature. More biomass and photosynthesis occur as communities develop structure.

They can disrupt or alter successional pathways. Non-native species can dominate and prevent native species establishment.