Succession

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Succession

• Guided Notes

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Succession

• Succession is the gradual change in an ecosystem
  where one community is replaced by another.
• A change from a field to a forest

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Pioneer Species

• Succession begins with pioneer species which are
  the first living things to populate an area.

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Pioneer Species

• ExamplesMoss and lichen because they have tiny
  rootlike structures that can take hold on exposed
  rock.

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• As the pioneers grow, they gradually weaken the
  rock surface. The rock breaks down and weathers
  over time. Small plants and shrubs can take
  root. Eventually there is enough soil to support
  coniferous trees and forests grow, providing a
  STABLE habitat.

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Climax Community

• A climax community is a community that is the
  final stage of succession whose populations
  remain stable until disrupted by a disturbance
  (Natural Disaster).

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• Based on Plant succession, could there also be
  animal succession????

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First stage

• Insects
• small rodents feed on grasses, herbaceous plants
  and seeds.
• Songbirds feed on insects and seeds.
• Predatory birds feed on small rodents.

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Next

• The smaller animals attract larger predators,
  such as coyotes, weasels, and bobcats.
• Deer feed on shrubs and saplings.
• Larger predators are also attracted, such as
  cougars and bears.

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Climax Community

• Dead trees, called snags, provide nesting sites
  for woodpeckers and other animals.
• Particular kinds of animals move in utilizing
  available resources.
• Fallen trees add to the diversity of habitats and
  provide additional resources while adding soil
  nutrients

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• http//www.restoringearth.co.uk/education/science/
  geography/ecology/succession/succession.shtm

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• What man made or natural factors would cause a
  climax community to be altered?

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What man made or natural factors would cause a
climax community to be altered?

• climate
• volcanic activity
• water sources
• Insects
• tree harvesting
• Weather
• fire

• Flood
• introduced species
• prescribed fire
• road building
• wind storms
• soil erosion
• Soil composition

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Secondary Succession

• Secondary succession takes place after a major
  disturbance to the biological community in a
  stable ecosystem.

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Secondary Succession

• http//www.restoringearth.co.uk/education/science/
  geography/ecology/succession/succession.shtm

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Primary or Secondary?
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Primary or Secondary?
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Exit Quiz

• What is a pioneer species?
• List two examples of a pioneer species.
• What is it called when a forest has grown to a
  stable ecosystem?
• What causes secondary succession?
• What are 2 man made or natural factors that would
  cause a climax community to be altered?