changes in ecosystems: ecological succession
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Changes in Ecosystems: Ecological Succession. Definition:. Succession: Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area; can be primary or secondary The gradual replacement of one plant community by another through natural processes over time. Primary Succession. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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Changes in Ecosystems:Ecological Succession
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Definition:
• Succession: Natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area; can be primary or secondary
• The gradual replacement of one plant community by another through natural processes over time
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Primary Succession
• Begins in a place without any soil – Sides of volcanoes– After Landslides– After Flooding
• Starts with the arrival of living things such as lichens that do not need soil to survive
• Called PIONEER SPECIES
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http://botit.botany.wisc.edu
http://www.saguaro-juniper.com/
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Primary Succession
• Soil starts to form as lichens and the forces of weather (wind and precipitation) and erosion help break down rocks into smaller pieces
• When lichens die, they decompose, adding small amounts of organic matter to the rock to make soil
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Primary Succession
• Simple plants like mosses and ferns can grow in the new soil
http://uisstc.georgetown.edu
http://www.uncw.edu
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Primary Succession
• The simple plants die, adding more organic material
• The soil layer thickens, and grasses, wildflowers, and other plants begin to take over
http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu
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Primary Succession
• These plants die, and they add more nutrients to the soil
• Shrubs and tress can survive now
http://www.rowan.edu
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Primary Succession
• Insects, small birds, and mammals have begun to move in
• What was once bare rock now supports a variety of life
http://p2-raw.greenpeace.org
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Secondary Succession
• Begins in a place that already has soil and was once the home of living organisms
• Occurs faster and has different pioneer species than primary succession
• Example: after forest fires or extensive logging
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http://www.geo.arizona.edu
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http://www.ux1.eiu.edu
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http://www.agen.ufl.edu
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Climax Community
• A stable group of plants and animals that is the end result of the succession process
• It is dynamic, meaning that although stable, it is constantly changing with the climate
• Climax does not always mean big trees– Grasses in prairies– Cacti in deserts