Influence of Climate, Biotic and Edaphic Factors

• Climate

  Areas with high rainfall and warm temperatures generally experience faster succession as conditions favor plant growth. Wind and extreme temperatures can impact which species are able to survive.
• Biotic

  Primary consumers can limit plant growth by consuming young plants. Keystone species often drive changes in succession e.g. elephants knocking down trees in African Savannah.
• Edaphic

  The type of bedrock and soil in an area affect nutrient availability and water retention. Sandy soils drain quickly, favoring species that tolerate dry conditions. Clay-rich soils retain more water, favoring moisture-loving species. Soil pH is also a factor. Acidic soils support different plants compared to alkaline soils.