Management of Succession

Question 1

Human activities can interrupt the process of succession. What does this mean will happen ?

Answer 1

This stops a climax community from developing.

Question 2

Why do some conservation projects involve the deliberate prevention of succession ?

Answer 2

This is because ecosystems at the intermediate stages of succession, where small plants, grasses, ferns or shrubs are present, often hold a distinct diversity of plant species

These diverse plant species also provide food and habitat for a high diversity of animal species, some of which may also be of conservation importance (e.g. species that are rare or threatened)

Question 3

What are the two different ways that succession can be deliberately prevented for conservation purposes ?

Answer 3

Grazing animals can be introduced temporarily. As they eat the growing shoots of shrubs and trees, this stops these plants from establishing themselves and prevents succession
Managed burning can be used, during which controlled fires are deliberately lit and allowed to burn away the shrubs and trees.