Ecological Succession

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Ecological Succession Foldable
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(On Back - top) Succession is a process of
gradual, predictable changes over time.
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Unweathered bedrock
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Bare rock that is exposed to factors that cause
weathering to occur.
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Partially weathered Bedrock
Unweathered bedrock
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Over time, the exposed rock is broken down into
smaller pieces.
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Subsoil
Partially weathered Bedrock
Unweathered bedrock
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As more time passes, weathering continues to
break rock into even smaller pieces, which can
support minor plant growth. As these plants die,
they add nutrients to the soil as they are
decomposed.
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Topsoil
Subsoil
Partially weathered Bedrock
Unweathered bedrock
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The small plants attract other organisms, which
may transport additional seeds to the area,
increasing the variety of plants. Smaller
organisms will attract larger animals. As these
die, more nutrients are added.
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Eventually this continuing Ecological Succession
leads to a community of organisms living in
balance, or equilibrium.
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Succession Scenario 1 A forest fire burns 10,000
acres in a national park. Write a paragraph to
explain the ecological succession that will occur
to restore equilibrium.
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Succession Scenario 2 A volcano erupts covering
an entire island in lava. Write a paragraph to
explain the ecological succession that will occur
to restore equilibrium.