Succession

• What are pioneer species?

  Slow growing species that can live with very little water and nutrients
• What are some examples of pioneer species?

  • Marram grass
  • Lichens
  • Moss
• What happens when pioneer species die?

  Micro-organisms decompose the dead organic matter into a thin soil layer
• What are simple species?

  Species that can grow in thin soil
• How do simple species aid succession?

  Their roots accelerate soil formation
• What are examples of simple species?

  Grass and ferns
• How do shrubs interact with simple species?

  Shrubs outcompete them for water, minerals and light
• What happens when the climax community comes in?

  • Trees outcompete shrubs
  • A shade tolerant forest floor is formed
  • Complex food web is established
  • Stable abiotic factors
• What are the types of succession?

  • Lithosere: bare rock
  • Hydrosere: water
  • Psammosere: sand dune
• What is secondary succession?

  Where a soil layer is already formed
• When does secondary succession happen?

  After a forest fire or when soil is deposited by a meandering river
• How is succession managed?

  Kept at the plagioclimax stage