Explain me ecological succession .?

Question

Answer

Ecological succession is a series of progressive changes in the species that make up a community over time. Ecologists usually identify two types of succession, which differ in their starting points: In primary succession, newly exposed or newly formed rock is colonized by living things for the first time.

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Ecological succession is the process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time. The time scale can be decades (for example, after a wildfire), or even millions of years after a mass extinction.?

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Process of change in structure of ecological community over time.

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Ecological Succession

Ecological succession is a process through which an ecosystem gradually changes and develops over time. It involves a series of predictable changes in the composition and structure of a community, following a disturbance or the formation of a new habitat. These changes occur in a specific order, leading to the establishment of a stable and mature ecosystem.

Primary Succession

Primary succession occurs in areas that have never been inhabited before, such as newly formed volcanic islands, bare rock surfaces, or areas that have been completely devoid of life due to severe disturbances like landslides or glaciers. The process starts with the colonization of pioneer species, typically lichens and mosses, that can tolerate harsh conditions and are capable of breaking down rock surfaces. These pioneer species gradually transform the environment, creating suitable conditions for the establishment of other plant species. As the environment becomes more hospitable, grasses, shrubs, and eventually trees colonize the area. Over time, a diverse and stable community is formed.

Secondary Succession

Secondary succession occurs in areas that have experienced a disturbance but still retain some soil and vegetation remnants. This can include areas affected by forest fires, abandoned agricultural land, or areas that have undergone deforestation. Unlike primary succession, secondary succession starts with the growth of pre-existing organisms that were not completely eradicated by the disturbance. The process is generally quicker than primary succession as the soil already contains organic matter and nutrients. Initially, fast-growing, sun-loving species such as grasses and weeds dominate the area. As the ecosystem recovers, shade-tolerant plants and eventually trees take over, leading to the development of a mature community.

Facilitation, Inhibition, and Tolerance

During ecological succession, different species interact with each other and the environment in various ways. Facilitation occurs when early colonizers modify the environment, making it more suitable for later successional species. For example, pioneer plants like lichens help break down rocks and contribute to soil formation. Inhibition occurs when certain species hinder the growth of others, preventing them from establishing in an area. Tolerance refers to the ability of a species to tolerate the environmental conditions created by other species. As succession progresses, the composition of the community is influenced by a combination of facilitation, inhibition, and tolerance.

Climax Community

The final stage of ecological succession is the formation of a climax community. This is a stable and self-sustaining community that is in balance with the prevailing environmental conditions. The composition of the climax community is determined by factors such as climate, soil type, and available resources. Once a climax community is established, it remains relatively unchanged until another disturbance restarts the succession process.

Conclusion

Ecological succession is a natural and dynamic process that allows ecosystems to recover and develop after disturbances. It involves the predictable sequence of changes in community composition and structure over time. Understanding ecological succession is crucial for conservation efforts and ecosystem management as it helps us comprehend how ecosystems respond and adapt to changes in their environment.

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