Ecological Succession

With the force of 13,000 atomic bombs, it was the loudest sound in recorded history, and wiped an island off the map. Will it be heard from again?

Ecological Succession

• New population of organisms gradually replace existing ones

• How do you think life began on this island?– Grass, small plants– Lichens (grow on rocks)– Migratory animals– Larger plants

Sequence of Growth

• Lichens Grass large plants Birds

• Lichens are pioneer organisms.

• First organisms to settle an area

• When lichens die, they fertilize the soil enabling other plants to grow.

• The presence of food caused birds to migrate the island.

Climax Community

• Stable community in balance with nature (environment)

• If the pond dries up, what will happen to the fish?

• Fish die and fall to the bottom. What will this do to the bottom of the pond?

• Plants will begin to grow because there will be a build up of organic soil.

• Eventually top soil will keep growing and more plants will grow.