Succession

Succession:Series of environmental
changes that occur in a
predictable way.

Primary Succession- occurs on surfaces where no soil exist. Ex: Volcanic rock or barerock

Pioneer Species- first to populate an area. Example: Lichens & moss

When lichens die they add organic matter to form soil. Then grass,small plants and shurbs start to grow in the new soil.

Next young trees will start to grow & turn into a mature forest.

PS- Occurs very slowly and over hundreds of years. (300+)

Secondary succession- begins where there was already soil and living organisms. Example: forest fire

SS- Occurs faster than primary succession (100-200).

Climax community- end results for both types of succession - A stable group of plants and animals.

The Island of Surtsey…

Example of Primary Succession

New Land

Formed from an Underwater

Volcano

1. An old house was torn down. Small plants and grasses grew in a vacant lot. Over the next few years, bushes and tree seedling began to grow.
2. An undersea volcano erupted and formed a small island. Mosses and lichens began to grow on the bare volcanic rock.
3. A logging company cut down all the large spruce trees in an area of forest. After the area was cleared, spruce seedlings began to sprout. Animals returned to the area.
4. A wildfire broke out across the California area and continued to spread for several days. As a result, many plants and crops were destroyed and animals for forced to find new shelter.
5. A glacier retreats and leaves behind gravel deposits

How is primary succession like a homemade meal?

How is secondary succession like warming up left-overs?

Primary

• no soil
• Bare volcanic rock/new land
• Pioneer species- lichens
• Takes longer than SS

Secondary

• already has soil/preexisting land
• Faster than PS
• After a forest fire or human impact
• No pioneer plants