ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION:

1. ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION: the order organisms appear to create or bring back an ecosystem It takes a long time-not an overnight thing PRIMARY SUCCESSION (1°) => nothing present; no soil, bacteria, or organisms Happens after a “new” place is formed i.e. volcanic eruption, mountain formation, spreading due to earthquakes The following steps occur: 1. Soil formation (erosion and weathering happen to create your layer of soil) 2. Plants like grasses, mosses, lichens (like-ins) appear. They are the pioneer community/species. They are the first to pave the way for the rest of the species. 3. Insects, flowers, shrubs, tree sprouts, and primary consumersappear. 4. Secondary consumers, shrubs, trees, bushesgrow bigger and become more prominent. 5. Tertiary consumers, larger trees and bushes 6. Fully grown trees, all organisms that live there. This is your CLIMAX COMMUNITY, or BASICALLY your full ecosystem. SECONDARY SUCCESSION (2°) => something was there; it is not anymore Happens usually after human impact or natural disaster i.e. forest fire, hurricane, logging, agriculture, disease, etc… The following steps occur: (REMEMBER SOIL IS ALREADY PRESENT) It then completes steps 2-6 as outlined under primary succession!

3. Aquatic Ecosystems and Succession MARINE SUCCESSION happens when: • a lake, pond, stream becomes land, forest, etc… • It follows the following process • Sediment, dead organisms, settle to the bottom • Displace water means less oxygen for organisms in water • Organisms start to die out • Sediment (and co) keep filling up water • Eventually becomes a wetland • Wetland can become forest AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS INCLUDE: • Oceans • Marshes (grasses) • Swamps (shrubs and trees) • Lakes • Ponds • Streams • Wetlands (periodic water/moist soil)