What is ecological succession?

Ecological succession refers to the gradual process of biological community evolution over time. This concept encompasses the changes in species composition, structure, and function of an ecosystem after a disturbance or the creation of new habitats. During succession, different species colonize the area at various stages, allowing ecosystems to develop from simple to more complex forms.

At the beginning of succession, pioneer species, such as lichens and mosses, may colonize bare rock or disturbed soil, contributing to soil formation and creating conditions conducive to other species. Over time, as the environment changes (through processes like soil development and shading from established plants), the community may transition from pioneer species to more diverse and stable communities, such as forests or grasslands.

This process can be classified into primary succession, which occurs in lifeless areas where no soil exists, and secondary succession, which takes place in areas where a disturbance has cleared an existing ecosystem but soil and some organisms still remain. The gradual nature of these changes, along with the interplay of biotic (living organisms) and abiotic (environmental) factors, highlights the dynamic nature of ecological communities.