Succession Flashcards
Succession
The change in an ecological community over time.
Seral stages
When noticeable differences in the community can be observed.
What does primary succession begin with?
A pioneer species colonising bare rock/sand.
Importance of the pioneer species
Adapted to survive abiotic factors, when they die and decompose abiotic factors become less harsh as this process forms soil.
How do mosses and smaller plants contribute to primary succession?
Further increase depth and nutrient content of soil and reduce abiotic factors so bigger plants can form.
What happens to some older species in primary succession?
Outcompeted by newer colonising species.
What does primary succession finish with?
A climax community with lots of biodiversity.
Why is biodiversity created from succession?
Abiotic factors are favourable to support a wider range of species.
Difference between primary and secondary succession
In secondary, the succession is disrupted and plants are destroyed meaning it starts again but not from the bare rock stage as soil is already present.
What does the destruction of habitats lead to?
Extinction
